Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 operations set to begin from July

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line or Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line, is on the verge of transforming the city's public transportation network. Phase 1 of this highly anticipated project, covering the stretch from Aarey Colony to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), is set to commence operations in July 2024. This significant milestone is being spearheaded by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL), which is diligently preparing for the official launch on 1st July 2024.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 is the city's latest modernization initiative, featuring an entirely underground route. The line stretches over 33.5 kilometers and is designed to accommodate a daily passenger capacity of 1.7 million. This underground marvel includes 26 underground stations out of a total of 27, highlighting the project's complexity and the innovative engineering involved.

The Aqua Line is strategically designed to enhance connectivity across Mumbai, linking key areas and providing seamless transit options. The journey on this metro line will take passengers through various important locations, starting from Aarey Colony and passing through SEEPZ, MIDC, Marol Naka, CSMIA T2, Sahar Road, CSMIA T1, Santacruz, Vidyanagari, BKC, Dharavi, Shitladevi Temple, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Temple, Worli, Acharya Atrey Chowk, Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhawan, and finally reaching Cuffe Parade.

This extensive connectivity ensures that the Aqua Line will serve as a backbone for Mumbai's public transportation network, interfacing with eight different railway stations, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), and existing Metro Lines 2B and 1.

The estimated cost of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project is Rs 23,136 crore. A significant portion of this funding comes from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is providing 57.2% of the project cost through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan amounting to Rs 13,235 crore. This loan features favorable terms, including a 30-year repayment period with an interest rate of 1.15% for the project and a mere 0.01% interest rate for consulting services.

The Aqua Line stands out as Mumbai's first fully underground metro line, bringing several technological advancements and passenger conveniences. Continuous mobile service coverage throughout the journey ensures that commuters remain connected. Each train on Line 3 is capable of accommodating up to 3,000 passengers, ensuring high capacity and efficiency. Following the commissioning of Phase 1, the line will apply for safety clearance to begin autonomous operations, showcasing a leap towards advanced urban mobility.

The construction of the Aqua Line has not been without its challenges. The project has faced numerous difficulties, including protests and the technical challenges of tunneling through complex geological formations. Additionally, the construction had to be meticulously planned and executed beneath aging, decaying structures and through densely populated neighborhoods. Despite these hurdles, the MMRCL has persevered, and the near completion of the Aarey Depot—with 99.5% of the work finished—stands as a testament to their commitment.

The launch of Mumbai Metro Line 3 Phase 1 marks a significant advancement in Mumbai's public transportation infrastructure. With its extensive underground network and advanced features, the Aqua Line is set to revolutionize daily commutes, offering efficient and reliable transit options to millions of passengers. As the city prepares for the operational launch in July, residents can look forward to a new era of modern, high-capacity urban transportation.