Phase 2A of Mumbai Metro Set to Begin Operations by March
In a significant milestone for Mumbai’s metro infrastructure, the BKC-Colaba Metro Phase 2A is poised to commence operations by the end of March 2025. This development is part of the broader Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro 3 project, which is aimed at alleviating the city’s notorious traffic woes and providing commuters with a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transport.
According to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), 93.1% of the BKC-Colaba route has been completed, with the BKC-Acharya Atre Chowk and Worli stations in Phase 2A almost fully operational. A remarkable 98.9% of the stations along this phase are ready, leaving only the final touches, including the completion of architectural and system work. Once this is concluded, MMRC will initiate the process of obtaining the necessary safety certificate, a crucial step before the official launch. Phase 2A spans a critical section of the 33.5-kilometre Metro 3 corridor, connecting the BKC and Worli areas, which are vital commercial hubs in Mumbai. With the completion of this section, the public will have access to faster connectivity across these key areas, a welcome development for daily commuters in the city. The Metro 3 line, which stretches from Aarey to Colaba, began operations with the Aarey-BKC stretch in October 2024. However, the route has yet to garner the expected ridership, as many commuters are awaiting the full stretch of the line to be operational.
The completion of Phase 2A is expected to increase ridership significantly, offering a seamless connection between major commercial districts in the city. MMRC, under the guidance of the state government, has fast-tracked the completion of Phase 2A, with the goal of meeting a 100-day deadline issued recently by the government. As work accelerates and system testing progresses, it is anticipated that the BKC-Worli line will be fully functional by March, adding a crucial link to the city’s metro network and offering an alternative to the city’s overburdened road transport system. This metro expansion is expected to play a pivotal role in decongesting Mumbai’s traffic and providing a sustainable solution for its growing transportation needs. As the city moves closer to its goal of expanding the metro network, the success of Phase 2A will be a significant step forward in making public transport in Mumbai more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
