Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Set to Transform City Transit: Aqua Line Nears Completion

Mumbai is on the brink of a transportation revolution with the imminent launch of its first underground metro line, the Aqua Line. This project, spearheaded by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), is nearing completion and promises to significantly improve connectivity and ease travel within the city.

A Milestone for Mumbai

The Aqua Line, also known as Mumbai Metro Line 3, spans a total length of 33.5 kilometers from Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade. This extensive line will feature 27 stations, of which 26 are underground. The metro project, initiated in 2017, aims to alleviate Mumbai’s notorious traffic congestion and reduce travel time across the city.

Project Details and Timeline

The Aqua Line project, funded through a joint venture between the Central Government and the Maharashtra Government, with support from Japan, is a significant investment in Mumbai's infrastructure. Initially scheduled to be completed by September 2024, the project’s completion date has been extended to December 2024. The project is divided into two phases: the first phase, from SEEPZ to BKC, will open in September 2024, and the second phase, from BKC to Colaba, will be operational by December 2024.

Key Features and Stations

The Aqua Line’s route includes major stations such as Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CST Metro, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central Metro, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Sitladevi, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, Domestic Airport, Sahar Road, International Airport, Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Depot.

Enhancing Safety and Comfort

The MMRCL has ensured that the Aqua Line will offer enhanced safety and comfort for passengers. Features such as escalators, elevators, secured platforms, closed train doors, and comprehensive CCTV coverage will be in place. Additionally, platform screen doors will be installed to ensure passenger safety during boarding and alighting.

Time and Cost Efficiency

The Aqua Line is expected to significantly reduce travel time. For example, the journey from Cuffe Parade to the Airport, which currently takes about 100 minutes, will be cut down to just 50 minutes once the metro is operational. The project, with a revised cost of ₹37,275.50 crore, is nearly 98 percent complete, according to the latest reports.

Completion Status

The project has seen substantial progress, with 99.2 percent of civil works completed and 97 percent of station construction finished. Tunneling work is fully completed, and about 87 percent of the mainline track work is done. The metro is expected to operate from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, providing a much-needed boost to Mumbai’s public transportation system.

Looking Ahead

The launch of the Aqua Line marks a significant milestone in Mumbai's transportation history. As the city prepares for this major upgrade, the residents eagerly await the operational start of this state-of-the-art underground metro, which promises to transform daily commutes and enhance urban mobility.