Alstom’s Metropolis begins passenger operations on Mumbai Metro Line 3

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): The highly anticipated Aqua Line of the Mumbai Metro has officially commenced commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transport landscape. The inaugural train set was flagged off by Honourable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi from the Aarey JVLR station, connecting the bustling Bandra Kurla Complex business district to Aarey JVLR. Spanning 33.5 kilometers, this line represents one of India’s longest continuous underground metro stretches and is the first underground metro line in Mumbai.

Alstom, a leader in urban mobility solutions, has played a pivotal role in the development of the Aqua Line. The company has supplied 31 modern, driverless Metropolis metro trainsets, each consisting of eight cars, as well as a comprehensive array of signalling solutions. Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India, stated, “The Alstom-built full-stack mobility solutions for the Mumbai Aqua Line incorporate sophisticated engineering and technology, ensuring a world-class metro experience for millions of Mumbaikars.”

The Aqua Line trains are equipped with advanced features designed to enhance safety and efficiency. These include:

• Driverless Operation: Enabled by the latest CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control) technology, specifically the Urbalis Forward system with GOA4 automation.
• Integrated Safety Systems: Features like face recognition CCTV cameras, smoke detectors, and emergency intercoms ensure passenger safety at all times.
• Accessibility and Comfort: The design focuses on high interior density to maximize space, with dedicated wheelchair areas and facilities for passengers with luggage.

The new metro trains are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring 75% motorization for quick acceleration and deceleration, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency. With a regenerative braking system, these trains are expected to reduce overall traffic congestion and minimize air and noise pollution by an estimated 35%. Moreover, the trainsets boast a remarkable 96% recyclability rate, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.

In alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, these state-of-the-art trains were designed and developed at Alstom’s engineering center in Bangalore and manufactured at their facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. To date, 24 trainsets have been delivered to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL).

With the capacity to transport over 1.6 million passengers daily, the Aqua Line is set to significantly improve commuting experiences for Mumbaikars. The metro trains are designed to accommodate at least 3,000 passengers per trip, reducing the strain on the city's transportation network.

Alstom is recognized as a market leader in urban mobility, serving over 80 customers worldwide. With a strong commitment to innovation, the company supplies more than 35% of all CBTC systems in operation globally. Their driverless metro solutions aim to address the growing mobility challenges in urban areas, offering seamless travel experiences amid increasing transportation demands.

As Mumbai embraces this new chapter in urban transit, the Aqua Line stands as a testament to cutting-edge engineering, sustainability, and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.