100% Track Laying completed for Mumbai Metro Line 3, Phase 2 slotted to open in May 2025

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of 100% track laying for the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3, stretching from Aarey to Cuffe Parade. This accomplishment marks a crucial step towards the full operationalization of the Aqua Line, with Phase 1 already in operation and Phase 2 set to open in May 2025.

The Aqua Line 3, a highly anticipated addition to Mumbai’s metro network, has already made waves with its Phase 1 launch. On October 5, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of Line 3, with commercial operations beginning on October 7. The 12.69-km stretch between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Aarey has seen overwhelming passenger response since its opening.

The Aqua Line's first full day of operations on October 7, 2024, recorded 20,482 passengers between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM. In the following days, ridership surged, with the first Sunday seeing a peak of 27,108 passengers. Within the first month of operation, the Aqua Line saw a remarkable total ridership of over 600,000, with an average of around 20,000 riders daily.

Phase 2: Key Milestone for May 2025

The second phase of the Aqua Line, which will extend from BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli, is on track for completion and is expected to open in May 2025. This phase will further enhance connectivity within Mumbai, improving accessibility for commuters traveling across key areas of the city.

In response to commuter feedback, MMRCL has also implemented new infrastructure upgrades. A new pedestrian crossing has been constructed at the Aarey-Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) station, equipped with pedestrian blinker signals, cat eyes, and rumble strips to ensure safer crossing for passengers.

Operational Performance

The first month of full-scale operations for Phase 1 demonstrated impressive punctuality, with the Aqua Line running 13,504 scheduled trips, out of which 13,480 trips were executed. The overall punctuality rate stood at an impressive 99.61%. A total of 51 trips experienced minor delays, accounting for just 0.37% of the total trips, while only 24 trips (0.17%) were canceled during the period.

With the successful completion of track laying and the launch of Phase 1, MMRCL is on track to further revolutionize Mumbai’s public transport with the impending opening of Phase 2 in 2025. The Aqua Line 3 is set to significantly reduce travel time, ease congestion, and provide Mumbai residents with a modern, efficient metro option. As the network expands, the city’s public transportation landscape will continue to evolve, offering a sustainable and reliable alternative to road transport.