The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has released the first images of the forthcoming Dharavi Metro Station, a pivotal component of the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro Line 3, commonly referred to as the Aqua Line.
Situated along the Mithi River’s banks, the station’s construction has overcome significant challenges, marking a milestone in Mumbai’s urban transit development. Located strategically along the Mithi River, the Dharavi Metro Station has been constructed using the cut-and-cover method. This technique involved excavating the ground, building the structure, and then covering it back, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding areas. The proximity to the Mithi River presented unique engineering challenges, particularly concerning soil stability and water ingress.
The construction process encountered several hurdles, including land acquisition complexities, traffic diversions, and the relocation of numerous underground utilities. Notably, tunneling beneath the Mithi River posed significant technical difficulties. Engineers had to navigate unpredictable soil conditions and manage high groundwater pressures, ensuring the tunnel’s integrity under the active river channel. This feat is comparable to India’s first under-river tunnel beneath the Hooghly River in Kolkata. As of early 2025, trial runs commenced on the 9.77-kilometer stretch between Dharavi and Acharya Atre Chowk, encompassing six stations. These trials are progressing successfully, with trains reaching Acharya Atre Chowk during testing phases. Subject to the completion of all safety assessments by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, commercial operations on this segment are anticipated to begin by March 2025.
The final phase of the Aqua Line, extending to Colaba, is projected for completion by the end of 2025. Once operational, the Metro line is expected to significantly reduce travel time, with the journey from Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) to Acharya Atre Chowk taking approximately 39 minutes. A remarkable engineering achievement of this project is the tunneling beneath the Mithi River. The 3-kilometer twin tunnels connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Dharavi include a 500-meter section directly beneath the active river channel. To address the challenges of tunneling under a water body, MMRCL employed Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) equipped with Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shields, which monitor and adjust pressure within the cutterhead, balancing external earth pressure. Additionally, the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) was utilized, especially in areas requiring manual excavation, such as beneath the riverbed, ensuring the tunnel’s stability and safety.
The completion of the Dharavi Metro Station and the broader Metro Line 3 project is set to transform Mumbai’s urban mobility landscape. By providing an efficient, reliable, and sustainable transit option, the Metro aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel times, and lower carbon emissions, aligning with the city’s goals for sustainable development.
Dharavi Metro Station Unveils Stunning First Look for Aqua Line Project
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