Mumbai is set to witness a transformative upgrade in urban mobility as the final stretch of the city’s Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) from Worli to Cuffe Parade is scheduled for inauguration on October 8. This milestone completes Mumbai’s first fully underground metro corridor spanning 33.5 kilometres and promises to substantially reduce travel time between the southern business districts and the northern suburbs, offering commuters a faster, sustainable alternative to congested roadways.
The fully operational Aqua Line now links Aarey in the north to Cuffe Parade in the south, encompassing 27 stations. This underground marvel integrates seamlessly with existing transport networks, offering interchanges at Mumbai Central, CSMT Metro, Churchgate, and Marol Naka, while providing direct connectivity to both domestic and international airport terminals. Officials project that the new stretch will carry over 17 lakh passengers daily, positioning the metro as a critical solution for reducing road traffic and easing pressure on suburban rail networks. The new stretch introduces 11 strategically located stations, including Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, CSMT Metro, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan, and the southern terminus at Cuffe Parade. With the final section operational, the commute from Aarey to Cuffe Parade is expected to drop to 54 minutes, a significant improvement over current travel times by road and suburban rail.
In alignment with inclusive urban transport policies, Metro 3 adopts a distance-based fare system, ensuring affordability for all sections of the city. Short journeys up to three kilometres will cost Rs 10, medium-distance trips of 12–18 kilometres are set at Rs 30, and the longest commutes of 30–36 kilometres will be Rs 60. The metro also supports seamless digital payments through the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), paper QR tickets, and WhatsApp e-tickets, reflecting a user-friendly approach to urban transit. Experts highlight that beyond commuter convenience, Metro 3 represents a significant stride towards sustainable, low-carbon urban mobility. By shifting commuters from road to underground rail, the project is expected to curb vehicular emissions, reduce fuel dependency, and contribute to a greener, more equitable city. Officials also emphasise that the integration with multiple transit lines enhances accessibility, creating an efficient, gender-neutral transport network across the financial capital.
As Mumbai gears up for the Metro 3 inauguration, authorities remain focused on promoting safe, inclusive, and sustainable travel. The Aqua Line stands not just as an engineering accomplishment but as a pivotal infrastructure intervention designed to transform daily commuting patterns, elevate public transport standards, and contribute meaningfully to the city’s low-carbon urban development objectives.
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