Metro Line 3 Phase 2 popularly known as the Aqua Line has commenced operations between Bandra Kurla Complex BKC and Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli.
The 9.77 kilometre underground corridor became operational on Saturday morning, marking a milestone in the city’s vision for a more efficient eco-friendly and carbon conscious commute. Services began simultaneously at 6.30 am from both Worli Naka and JVLR Aarey stations. The corridor, which connects six key underground stations Dharavi, Shitaladevi, Dadar West, Siddhivinayak, Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk is expected to significantly decongest surface traffic between Mumbai’s commercial districts. Not only does it strengthen east west connectivity but it also integrates some of the city’s most culturally vibrant nodes including Siddhivinayak Temple, Mahim Dargah and Shivaji Park. The extended link now connects previously operational segments from JVLR Aarey to BKC, with the entire JVLR to Worli journey taking around 36 minutes.
The project reflects Mumbai’s evolving infrastructure ambition, balancing speed with sustainability. With 244 scheduled services daily and eight energy efficient trains in operation, the line promises lower vehicular emissions, reduced travel fatigue and enhanced air quality, particularly in traffic scarred neighbourhoods. The train frequency, currently set at a headway of 6 minutes and 20 seconds, allows for high throughput without the overbearing carbon footprint of car led commutes. One of the most technically demanding aspects of the line was its tunnelling beneath the rocky bed of the Mithi River, a feat that not only demonstrated engineering excellence but also ensured minimal disruption to the sensitive river ecosystem. Such innovations are aligned with Mumbai’s climate action goals and its broader commitment to building low emission infrastructure in the face of rising urban heat and pollution levels.
Passenger feedback from the first day has been mixed. While early commuters appreciated the smooth travel experience, some stations saw sparse crowds, likely due to limited public awareness about the operational launch. However, with fares priced affordably between ₹10 and ₹60, and stations placed strategically near dense residential and business zones, ridership is expected to scale steadily in the coming weeks. This new stretch also addresses an equity dimension in Mumbai’s mobility discourse as it makes rapid transit accessible to residents of Dharavi and Dadar, areas often underserved in premium transport planning. Moreover, seamless metro access to workplaces in Lower Parel, healthcare hubs in Worli and religious destinations en route fosters a more inclusive and well connected urban experience.
As the city anticipates the final link from Worli to Cuffe Parade by August, the full commissioning of Metro Line 3 is poised to revolutionise commuting patterns across Mumbai’s most densely populated zones. With each phase, the line does not just bridge geography it represents a shift toward a greener and more inclusive Mumbai.
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