Mumbai’s Metro Rail Project is set for a significant expansion, with the second phase of the Metro 3 corridor between BKC and Worli slated to open by March 2025. This phase, covering a 9.7-kilometre stretch, is poised to revolutionise the city’s transit infrastructure, enhancing connectivity across some of Mumbai’s most bustling urban hubs. With six key stations, including Dharavi, Shitladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli, and Acharya Atre Chowk, the extension will offer seamless access to high-density areas home to major commercial, religious, and educational landmarks.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has made significant progress on this stretch, with track-laying and Overhead Catenary System (OHE) installations already completed. Currently, the focus is on finalising the architectural elements and signalling systems, with trial runs already underway. These trials, being conducted at the Acharya Atre Chowk station, involve trains running in both directions to gather necessary data for software updates. As reported, MMRC aims to submit the project for final approval to the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), ensuring the process is completed in a timely manner. With the first phase of Metro 3, which began operations in October 2024, already recording a daily ridership of 22,000 passengers, the upcoming extension is expected to significantly boost these numbers.
The metro’s reach will now extend to key areas like Dadar and Worli, which are not only heavily populated but also hubs of economic and cultural activity. The operational details, including train deployment and service schedules for this phase, are being fine-tuned, ensuring a smooth transition once the service is officially launched. The second phase of Metro 3 is a crucial component of the overall 33.5-kilometre underground Metro corridor linking Colaba, Bandra, and SEEPZ, which will feature 27 stations upon completion. This ambitious project, which forms a key part of Mumbai’s strategy to modernise its public transport system, is expected to ease traffic congestion and offer much-needed relief to the city’s overburdened road infrastructure. The upcoming metro segments connecting BKC to Colaba, anticipated for a May 2025 launch, are also expected to accelerate the city’s efforts towards sustainable urban mobility. As the completion of these phases draws nearer, Mumbai’s public transportation landscape stands on the cusp of a transformative overhaul.
