Exclucive conversation with Ashwini Bhide, IAS & Managing Director, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation

We are delighted to present an exclusive interview with Ms. Ashwini Bhide, the Managing Director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), who was recently appointed Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of the Government of Maharashtra (GoM). In this interview, Ms. Bhide discusses the much-anticipated opening of the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line, a significant milestone in the city’s metro rail development. With her extensive experience in managing large infrastructure projects, she shares valuable insights into the Aqua Line's journey from conception to completion and its potential to transform urban mobility in Mumbai.

As the driving force behind the Mumbai Metro Projects, Ms. Bhide has been instrumental in advancing the city's metro network. In this conversation, she highlights the key features of the Aqua Line, its impact on reducing traffic congestion, and how it aligns with the broader vision of sustainable and efficient public transportation for Mumbai. Her leadership in overseeing this vital project is a testament to her commitment to improving urban infrastructure, and she provides a glimpse into what’s next for Mumbai Metro’s future expansions.

Congratulations on launching long-awaited passenger services on Mumbai’s ambitious Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line). Could you share your thoughts on the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent inauguration of Phase 1?

The People of Mumbai have been anticipating Metro Line 3 for quite a long time now. We are happy to launch phase 1 of Metro Line 3 for Mumbaikars, it is a milestone project that is set to revolutionize urban mobility in the city. The inauguration of Phase-1 from Aarey JVLR to BKC by the Hon’ble Prime Minister marks a significant moment in the city's transportation history. This project demonstrates our commitment to providing efficient, reliable, and sustainable transportation solutions to citizens.

Once the entire Line 3 is operational and intermodal connections are established, it will cater to 13 lakh passengers daily. This would mean around 35 percent of road traffic is expected to be reduced. Over a period of time, the entire stretch of the Aqua Line is expected to reduce around 6.65 lakh vehicular trips per day, which will cut fuel consumption to the tune of 3.54 lakh liters a day. Around 15 percent burden on suburban railways is also expected to be lessened.

What are the immediate benefits for the commuters and the city?

Mumbai Metro line-3 offers fully air-conditioned, ergonomically designed coaches for the utmost commuter comfort. Closed doors for coaches and full-length platform screen doors for additional safety. The immediate benefits of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 include reduced travel time, increased connectivity, and enhanced commuting experience. With the ability to transport thousands of passengers daily, this line will help alleviate traffic congestion on the road, reduce air pollution, and promote economic growth in the city. Commuters can expect a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience.

What were some of the key challenges faced during the construction of Line-3, especially in such a densely populated city like Mumbai?

Constructing a metro line in a densely populated city like Mumbai presented several challenges. We had to navigate through congested streets, ensure minimal disruption to regular traffic, and address concerns from local residents and businesses. Our team worked tirelessly to overcome these challenges, employing innovative construction techniques and engaging with stakeholders to ensure a smooth project execution.

Challenges encountered during the construction were varied and complex which included acquisition of lands for construction activities, tunneling below heritage structures, shifting of utilities, rehabilitation of PAPs, tunneling beneath a water body, etc. For the construction of this corridor, 17 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) were deployed. It’s for the first time in India that a project employed 17 TBMs simultaneously. Entire tunneling has been done in rocky strata mainly made of Basalt, Breccia, and Tuff. Various challenges faced in the construction of metro-3 include tunneling in complicated geology and below old, dilapidated buildings around the congested neighborhood and in close vicinity of heritage buildings. Also, certain limits for vibrations must be maintained and continuously monitored while tunneling to ensure the safety of such buildings in the vicinity of the station area surrounded by historical structures. The most daunting task was tunneling beneath the Mithi River. However, the teams of experts and engineers have surmounted such challenges by using the latest technical know-how and engineering expertise.

MMRC has undertaken multiple projects over the years. Could you highlight some of the most notable innovations or technological advancements that have been incorporated in the Mumbai Metro Line-3?

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), is a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra. MMRC is executing Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) which is the first and only fully underground metro proposed in the city.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 has many firsts to its credit, which include the installation of High attention - low vibration system in track to ensure the safety of heritage buildings, the installation of the tallest escalators at the Airport station, accomplishing tunneling beneath Mithi river using precast concrete segment rings incorporating a specialized mushroom type EPDM gasket which we believe is the 1st of its kind in the world. To ensure that all joints are watertight, one more layer of hydrophilic gasket is added. As the name suggests, these gaskets swell once they come in contact with water and thus make a watertight joint.  Also, CAMS Predictive Maintenance module implementation is being planned using AI.

Line 3 boasts several innovative features, including advanced signaling systems, and high-capacity trains, we’ve also incorporated sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient systems. Additionally, our stations are designed with universal accessibility and safety features, ensuring a comfortable and secure travel experience for all commuters.

The project is often referred to as a "game changer" for Mumbai's urban mobility. How do you see this metro line transforming the daily commute and overall infrastructure?

The Mumbai Metro Line 3 once fully operational and connected to other modes of transport, will revolutionize urban mobility in Mumbai, transforming the daily commute for thousands of citizens. This corridor connects both domestic and international airports and will also connect Central and Western railways via CSMT and Churchgate stations respectively. Line 3 will provide connectivity to 6 major business and employment centers including Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. Also, easy access to over 30 educational institutes, 13 hospitals, 14 religious places, and over 30 recreational facilities. Aqualine will provide connectivity to the parts of the city that are unconnected by rail-based transport networks like Worli, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, and more.

By providing a fast, reliable, and efficient transportation option, we expect to reduce traffic congestion, decrease travel time, and promote economic growth. This project will also catalyze infrastructure development, stimulate urban renewal, and enhance the overall quality of life for Mumbaikars.

Sustainability has become a critical focus for urban development. How does MMRC ensure that sustainability is integrated into the planning and execution of its projects? Could you highlight any specific measures taken in this regard for Line 3?

Metro itself is a green mode of transit and has ample benefits. MMRC has always followed all the guidelines and government directives regarding environmental issues and concerns. We also strictly follow the pollution norms as directed by the concerned authorities.

Once metro line 3 is fully operational with all intermodal connections in place, vehicular traffic will be reduced by about 35% effecting saving in fuel consumption to the tune of 3.54 lakh liters per day. Private vehicles going off the road will also help in bringing down the level of air and noise pollution in the city. An estimated 6.65 lakh vehicles will go off the road due to Metro-3. This corridor will reduce 2.61 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum (Source: UNFCC). Innovative features like regenerative braking used in coaches, smart lighting, smart air-conditioning, use of natural light, and captive solar energy generation for the depot, will save substantial precious energy.

What long-term impacts do you foresee for Mumbai’s public transport and urban development as Line 3 becomes fully operational?

Once fully operational the entire Aqua Line stretching from Aarey to Cuffe Parade will carry 13 lakh passengers every day. Commercial, office and work-centric CBDs including BKC, Fort, Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Lower Parel and SEEPZ/MIDC will be linked via this corridor. It’s here that the movement of Mumbaikars is concentrated and heavy which is why this Line 3 will have maximum impact on the commuting lives of Mumbaikars. It will reduce the congestion on roads and the suburban railways, becoming the second lifeline of Mumbai. Metro Line 3 will offer a faster, safer, more reliable and more comfortable travel experience like never before.

With Phase-1 complete, what are the next steps for MMRC regarding the subsequent phases of Line-3? Are there any other upcoming projects that we can expect to see in the near future?

We're focused on expediting phase 2 from BKC to Cuffe Parade. Our next steps include the completion of construction for the remaining section. Conducting thorough testing and commissioning of systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure, etc

MMRC is also implementing metro line 11 which is in the DPR preparation stage and the south extension of line 3 till Navy nagar is also under consideration.

How has the feedback from commuters influenced MMRC's plans and designs for Mumbai’s metro network?

The feedback from commuters has been invaluable. We're actively engaged with commuters through various channels, including social media, feedback forms, and on-ground surveys.

MMRC is working to create better last-mile connectivity for commuters. We're exploring options for integrated last-mile connectivity solutions and have taken up Multi-Modal Integration (MMI) works in coordination with all other stakeholders and service providers at Aqua Line (Metro-3) stations, ensuring seamless connectivity and convenience for passengers.

Incorporating commuter feedback into our planning and design processes ensures that our metro network meets the evolving needs and expectations of Mumbaikars. We're committed to delivering a world-class metro system that enhances the quality of life for our citizens.