Mumbai is experiencing a major transformation as the Metro 3 project advances, resulting in the removal of long-standing barricades and the restoration of city roads. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has announced that 63% of the roads previously closed for Metro construction have now been reopened, significantly easing traffic congestion and providing relief to local businesses.
For nearly seven to eight years, various parts of Mumbai have been obstructed by barricades due to the underground Metro 3 project. The recent removal of these barricades, particularly on D N Road, has brought hope to local shopkeepers who have endured a substantial decline in customer traffic and revenue during this period. D N Road, a vital artery connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Churchgate railway station, had been heavily affected, forcing commuters to use smaller, less convenient routes and negatively impacting business activity. According to MMRCL authorities, 45% of the roads that were barricaded in the 1,165 metres of Package 2 of the metro project—which includes CSMT, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, and Grant Road—have been restored to their original condition. Similarly, in Package 1, 81% of the 3,236 metres of road encompassing Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, and Hutatma Chowk have also been restored. Overall, out of the total 28,885 metres of road barricaded on the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 line, 18,123 metres have been cleared, signifying substantial progress in the project.
In addition to reopening the roads, MMRCL has initiated a greening effort to enhance the urban environment along the Metro route. Once the barricades are removed, trees will be planted in the open spaces atop the Metro 3 stations. This initiative is already visible at Churchgate station, where saplings have been planted. The plan includes planting 2,600 trees along the Metro 3 route, especially above the stations. To date, 500 trees have been planted across 13 stations, including SEEPZ, MIDC, Sitladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Science Museum, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai Central, CSMT, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhawan, and Cuffe Parade. MMRCL has also appealed to the public to participate in in-situ tree plantation around station areas.
In parallel with these efforts, MMRCL is conducting oscillation trials, closely monitored by the Research, Design, and Standards Organization (RDSO) of the Indian Railways. These trials are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of the new Metro line before it becomes fully operational.
The restoration of roads and the green initiatives represent a significant step toward improving the urban infrastructure and environment in Mumbai. As the Metro 3 project nears completion, the reopening of roads and enhancement of green spaces are expected to contribute positively to the city’s aesthetics and functionality, providing long-term benefits to residents and businesses alike.
