Mumbai Metro Line 3: The Aqua Line Connecting Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ
Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is on the verge of a transportation revolution with the introduction of Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), promises to transform the way Mumbaikars commute. Let’s dive into the details of this groundbreaking metro line.
Mumbai Metro Line 3: Key Facts
Before we delve deeper, here are some key facts about Mumbai Metro Line 3:
| Name | Mumbai Metro Line 3 / Aqua Line |
|---|---|
| Length | 33.5 km |
| Stations | 27 |
| Metro Type | Rapid Transit Metro System |
| Funding | Loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), equity contribution from the center and state governments, and other subordinate debt |
| Project Cost | Rs 33,405 Cr |
| Construction Type | Underground and at grade |
| Operator | Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) |
The Route and Phases of Mumbai Metro Line 3
Phase 1: Aarey Colony to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)
The first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3 stretches from Aarey Colony (SEEPZ) to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This phase includes the following stations:
- Aarey Colony
- SEEPZ
- MIDC
- Marol Naka
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (T2)
- Sahar Road
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (T1)
- Santacruz
- Vidhyanagar
- BKC
Phase 2: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Worli
The second phase extends from BKC to Worli, covering key areas such as:
- Dharavi
- Shitaladevi Temple
- Dadar
- Siddhivinayak Temple
- Worli
- Acharya Atre Chowk
Phase 3: Worli to Cuffe Parade
The final phase connects Worli to Cuffe Parade, passing through:
- Science Museum
- Mahalakshmi
- Mumbai Central
- Grant Road
- Girgaon
- Kalbadevi
- CSMT
- Hutatma Chowk
- Churchgate
- Vidhan Bhavan
- Cuffe Parade
Opening Date and Project Timeline
The Mumbai Metro Line 3 project is set to be inaugurated in three phases. The first phase, from Aarey Colony to BKC, is expected to be completed by the end of December 2024. The original deadline was September 2024, but the Maharashtra Government extended it to ensure all necessary work is completed properly.
The trial of the 12 km stretch from Aarey Colony to Bandra began on March 12. The dates for phases 2 and 3 have been pushed back due to delays caused by the inauguration of phase 1.
Mumbai Metro Line 3: Map
Source: MMRCL
Stations on Mumbai Metro Line 3
Here is a comprehensive list of stations on Mumbai Metro Line 3:
- Cuffe Parade
- Badhwar Park
- Vidhan Bhawan
- Churchgate
- Hutatma Chowk
- CST Station
- Kalbadevi
- Girgaon
- Grant Road
- Mumbai Central
- Mahalaxmi
- Science Museum
- Acharya Atre Chowk
- Worli
- Siddhivinayak Temple
- Dadar
- Shitla Devi Temple
- Dharavi
- Income Tax Office BKC
- Vidyanagri
- Santa Cruz
- Mumbai Domestic Airport
- Sahar Road
- Mumbai International Airport
- Marol Naka
- MIDC
- SEEPZ
- Aarey Colony
Features of Mumbai Metro Line 3
Mumbai Metro Line 3 boasts several features that make it a game-changer for the city’s transportation network:
- Traffic Reduction: Expected to reduce the traffic load by nearly 15%.
- Length: The total length of the line is 33.5 km.
- Connectivity: It will connect key financial hubs such as Nariman Point, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Fort, Worli, Lower Parel, and Goregaon.
- Airport Access: Provides connectivity to both domestic and international airports.
- Heritage Stations: Connects two important heritage stations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Churchgate.
- Suburban Train Replacement: Aims to replace existing suburban trains at Churchgate, CSTM, Mumbai Central, and Mahalakshmi, while complementing the existing train services.
Project Cost and Funding
The estimated project cost of Mumbai Metro Line 3 is around Rs 33,405 Cr. The funding comes from a loan by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), along with equity contributions from the central and state governments and other subordinate debt.
Extension Plans
Originally, Mumbai Metro Line 3 was supposed to terminate at Cuffe Parade. However, the state government is exploring the option of extending it to Navy Nagar.
Real Estate Impact
Mumbai Metro Line 3 connects South Mumbai and the western suburbs, both of which have highly sought-after real estate markets. The metro line is expected to boost real estate development in these areas, with many projects likely to be either resale or redevelopment projects.
Latest News on Mumbai Metro Line 3
May 28, 2024
According to an Indian Express report, the Research, Design, and Standard Organisation (RDSO) will review Mumbai Metro 3 operations in the first week of June. MMRCL will also seek other necessary certificates, with operations expected to start on July 1, 2024.
May 7, 2024
Mumbai Metro 3 plans to start trials up to Siddhivinayak or Dadar station, as overhead electrification (OHE) and track-laying have been completed up to Dadar Station. These trials will be beneficial for the official trial up to Acharya Atre Chowk (Phase 2).
April 24, 2024
Starting in the third week of April, Mumbai Metro 3 will begin loaded integrated trials on the metro trains in Phase 1. Gunny bags filled with stones will be placed in the metro train, and trials will be conducted. Until now, dry runs with empty coaches were held to test the train’s speed, designed to reach up to 95 km/hr. The coach oscillations on both curve and single tracks will be observed during these trials.
Conclusion
Mumbai Metro Line 3, or the Aqua Line, is set to revolutionize commuting in Mumbai. Connecting key financial hubs, reducing traffic congestion, and boosting real estate development, this metro line is a significant step towards a more efficient and connected city. As the project progresses, Mumbaikars eagerly await the day they can hop on the Aqua Line and experience a smoother, faster, and more convenient commute.