Mumbai Metro Line 3 update signals full underground stretch opening soon
Mumbai’s first underground metro, Aqua Line 3, is edging closer to a full-scale launch after its official app released a final update showing all stations till Cuffe Parade, albeit marked as closed. This development has intensified anticipation across the city, fuelling hope that the final 33-km stretch from Aarey to Colaba will soon be accessible to the public.The Aqua Line 3 project is one of the most ambitious urban mobility initiatives in India, spanning 27 stations 26 underground and one at-grade.
Currently, two operational segments Aarey to Bandra Kurla Complex and Bandra Kurla Complex to Acharya Atre Chowk have already transformed the city’s commute, drawing close to 70,000 passengers daily. Officials say the final southern stretch will be critical in decongesting road traffic while significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Experts highlight that metro connectivity is integral to Mumbai’s sustainability goals. By enabling large-scale modal shift from private vehicles to mass transit, Aqua Line 3 is expected to contribute directly to reducing emissions, lowering dependency on fossil fuels, and supporting equitable access to affordable transport.
The line’s direct linkage to key employment and commercial districts, including Nariman Point, Fort and Cuffe Parade, underscores its role as a backbone of the city’s economic and environmental transition.While excitement is building, the line’s commissioning is still subject to stringent checks. Sources indicate that fire safety certifications and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety remain pending. Only after these approvals will the remaining eleven stations from Science Museum to Cuffe Parade open for public use. According to senior officials, trial runs are progressing smoothly and final certification could pave the way for an official launch by September 2025.The Metro app update has nevertheless boosted public curiosity, providing a glimpse of future connectivity. For now, the stations in the yet-to-open corridor remain tagged as closed, a reminder of the pending procedural milestones. Still, experts say the update signals a project that is nearing completion, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating a resilient and eco-friendly urban transport system.
Meanwhile, the city’s parallel transport infrastructure continues to show vulnerabilities. On the monorail network, a train heading towards Sant Gadgebaba Chowk was recently halted at Acharya Atre Nagar to offload excess passengers after the load exceeded safety limits. Officials clarified that this was part of a new safety protocol designed to maintain operational stability. The incident highlights the growing demand on public transport and further underlines the urgent need for capacity expansion that projects like Metro Line 3 promise to deliver.With commuters eagerly awaiting full operations, Metro Line 3 has become more than just a transport project. It is increasingly seen as a vital lever in Mumbai’s journey towards an equitable, sustainable, and carbon-neutral future.
