The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has announced that the Aarey depot is 99.5% complete, setting the stage for the commencement of Phase 1 operations of Metro 3, which will run between Aarey and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
This milestone is significant as it signals the imminent operationalisation of a crucial segment of the Metro 3 line, which promises to enhance Mumbai’s public transportation infrastructure. Integrated trial runs for the initial phase are already underway. MMRCL plans to soon invite the Research, Design, and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to oversee critical elements of the trials and the final commissioning process. A spokesperson from MMRCL stated, “Only minor finishing works and testing and trials of the system are in progress.” Despite the depot’s near completion, the primary Operations and Control Centre will not be fully operational for Phase 1. Instead, a backup Operations and Control Centre located at the Bandra-Kurla Complex will manage the initial operations. This interim measure ensures that the metro can begin operations without further delays.
The Aarey depot, sprawling over 30 hectares with 25 hectares developed and 5 hectares left untouched, includes a station and comprehensive facilities for maintenance, operations, administration, and training. The depot is designed to accommodate 30 trains, each comprising eight cars, and the construction costs amount to Rs 328 crore. This facility is pivotal, as it is intended to support up to 20 trains being stabled at any given time, with additional trains positioned at terminal stations like Cuffe Parade and BKC to commence morning services.
The effectiveness of the Metro network will significantly depend on the Operations and Control Centre, which is responsible for monitoring real-time data on train movements, station activities, and passenger flows. This centre is also crucial for coordinating emergency responses and managing communications with emergency services, ensuring the safety and efficiency of metro operations.
The project encountered a three-year delay due to litigation concerning the car depot issue. This depot is essential for the operational viability of Metro 3, acting as the nerve centre for train operations. Without it, the metro services cannot function, highlighting its critical role in the project. The near completion of the Aarey depot marks a significant step forward for Mumbai’s metro infrastructure, promising to alleviate transportation woes and provide a modern, efficient transit solution for the city’s residents. As MMRCL finalises the remaining works and prepares for full-scale operations, the successful launch of Phase 1 will be a noteworthy achievement in the ongoing development of Mumbai’s urban transit network.
