MMRDA sets new deadline to launch Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 3

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): The city planning body, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has now set a new deadline. Hence, the plan to commence the metro train trial run on an underground stretch of 33.5-km long Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Corridor (Mumbai Metro Line 3) is also stalled.

According to MMRDA, some tree pruning is needed for the proposed trial run. Further, neither Phase 1 nor Phase 2 of Metro Line 3 is ready. “Even if rakes are brought and trials are held then what next? The line is not ready. The project will take some time to complete. Phase 1 (Seepz-Bandra) of Metro Line 3 is expected to be completed by December 2023 or January 2024," said SVR Srinivas, MMRDA Commissioner & Managing Director, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC).

“The project is running behind the schedule. I have made a catch-up plan to ensure that the project is completed in a phased manner as per the revised timeline. Moreover, we are focussing on the stretch between Seepz and Bandra of Phase 1. This is an important stretch that would further connect the upcoming Metro Line 2B with BKC and Airport Road stations. The Colab-Girgaum stations of Line 3 will take another one-and-a-half year to get completed," Srinivas informed.

"Earlier it was decided to focus on all the stations. However, I have told the officials to focus on Phase 1 considering its connectivity to other lines. Works of the two stations have been delayed compared to other stations due to a lot of challenges, including old residential buildings in the vicinity. However, the work has now gained momentum,” he added.

About 73 percent of the work in the entire corridor has been completed by April end. Similarly, 82.06 percent of station work is also finished. Out of 42 breakthroughs, 40 have been achieved so far by MMRC and two more are awaited at Mumbai Central station on the line.

When completed, the 33.5-km long Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Corridor) will be the Country's largest underground metro corridor.