The city’s long-awaited Metro development reached a new milestone on May 9, when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the extended stretch of the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line-3, linking Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Worli’s Acharya Atre Chowk.
This opening is a significant part of the project’s larger vision to enhance sustainable, efficient public transport across Mumbai. This extension covers a 9.77-kilometre underground segment that includes six new stations—Kotak BKC, Dharavi, Sitaladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, and Worli—making it easier for commuters to travel from suburban Mumbai to South Mumbai. Once fully operational, the Aqua Line-3 will cut the travel time between Aarey in the western suburbs and Worli to just 39 minutes, providing a fast and seamless commuting experience for thousands of Mumbai residents.
In his inaugural speech, CM Devendra Fadnavis stressed that the expansion of the metro system was a vital part of the Maharashtra government’s commitment to modernising the city’s infrastructure while prioritising sustainability. “This extension marks a leap forward in urban mobility for Mumbai, providing a cleaner, quicker alternative to congested roads. The addition of more Metro lines will reduce traffic congestion, cut pollution, and contribute to a greener Mumbai,” he stated. Since the initial stretch from Aarey to BKC began operation in October 2024, the Aqua Line-3 has become a major asset for the city. The newly operational segment, connecting BKC to Worli, adds to the city’s metro network and links several major transit hubs, offering a convenient interconnection with the suburban railway lines, as well as other Metro lines.
The extended section of the Aqua Line-3 will integrate with various parts of the city’s transport network, including suburban railway stations at Dadar, Mahalaxmi, and Mumbai Central. At BKC, the Aqua Line intersects with the upcoming Metro Line 2B (DN Nagar to Mandale) and, in future phases, will connect with Metro Line 1 and the Monorail station at Mahalaxmi. Such seamless connectivity is expected to benefit commuters who previously faced long travel times due to Mumbai’s notorious traffic bottlenecks.
The new metro route is also expected to stimulate real estate development in the areas surrounding these new stations, with experts predicting a rise in both residential and commercial construction near Kotak BKC, Dharavi, and Siddhivinayak. However, urban planners have emphasised the importance of ensuring that this growth is both inclusive and sustainable, with a focus on affordable housing and green infrastructure to prevent displacement. The implementation of energy-efficient systems has been a key consideration in the development of the Aqua Line-3. The trains running on this extension will use regenerative braking, which recycles and reuses energy, helping reduce electricity consumption and enhancing overall operational efficiency. Stations along the route also incorporate sustainable features like LED lighting, solar panels for auxiliary power, and rainwater harvesting systems. These features highlight the commitment to an environmentally responsible public transport system.
Mumbai Metro authorities have deployed nine energy-efficient trains on the Aqua Line-3. Of these, seven are actively running, while one is reserved for regular maintenance and another remains on standby. The current schedule is designed to run 260 daily trips between 6 AM and 11 PM. The operation of this extension will drastically improve the convenience for daily commuters, particularly as the city’s population continues to grow and urban congestion worsens. The project is also notable for its engineering feats, particularly the twin-tunnel section beneath the Mithi River. This is India’s first underground Metro line to cross a water body using custom-designed tunnel boring machines. The 3-kilometre-long segment runs underneath the river, with approximately 2 kilometres of it passing through a section of the Mithi River’s expanded water body. The successful completion of this challenging engineering feat further affirms the technological capabilities being utilised to address complex urban transport problems.
This project has not been without controversy, particularly regarding its environmental impact. The construction of the car shed at Aarey, a green zone in suburban Mumbai, was opposed by environmental groups who feared the loss of trees in the area. While legal battles ensued, the development was eventually cleared, with the understanding that compensatory afforestation measures and other environmental safeguards would be put in place. Urban experts and environmentalists have acknowledged the importance of striking a balance between urban expansion and environmental protection. As Mumbai grows, the adoption of public transit solutions like the Metro-3 line is considered essential for addressing the challenges of traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions.
While Metro Line 3 promises to provide long-term benefits in terms of urban mobility and environmental sustainability, planners and authorities are already looking toward the next phase of the project. The final stretch of the line, from Worli to Colaba, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Once fully operational, the Aqua Line-3 will provide crucial connectivity from the city’s southernmost point in Colaba to the northern suburbs, enhancing the overall network of Mumbai’s metro system. The arrival of the Aqua Line-3 extension signals an exciting future for Mumbai, one that promises to be more sustainable, more connected, and more livable for its residents. As the city works towards its goal of becoming a global metropolis with efficient and green infrastructure, the Metro-3 project remains a key component in achieving these ambitious objectives.
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