Mumbai’s highly anticipated first underground metro, the Aqua Line 3, is in the final testing phase, edging closer to operational status. The Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) team has arrived for the crucial trials, placing necessary equipment on the trains to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. This process is a significant step towards receiving approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
The Aqua Line 3 project is divided into two phases. The first phase, stretching from Aarey to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), includes ten stations. In this phase, nine trains will be utilised, with two kept aside—one for regular maintenance and one on standby—while seven will be in active passenger service. The second phase will extend the line from BKC to Colaba.
“Yes, the RDSO team has arrived and has begun the activity of placing various instruments required for oscillation trials over the next two days. Once this is completed, RDSO trial runs will commence shortly. Upon completion, the system will be offered for inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS),” a top official stated.
Public operations for the first phase are expected to commence by July 2024, pending safety approvals. This phase will feature 260 round trip services daily, operating between 6 am and 11 pm, subject to passenger demand. For the entire operation, including the second phase, a total of 31 trains will be required. RDSO trials are crucial to ensuring passenger safety and comfort. These trials involve oscillation tests to determine the speed potential of the train sets in both empty and loaded conditions. “After completing the trials in the designated test zones, the trains undergo a long confirmatory run at their maximum test speed with multiple readings,” an official explained.
Upon successful completion of these trials, the RDSO will issue Interim Speed Certificates (ISCs), which are necessary for the rolling stock to operate. The metro administration can then use these certificates to apply for final approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety, paving the way for public commissioning. The Metro Aqua Line 3 is poised to significantly enhance Mumbai’s public transport infrastructure, offering a modern, efficient, and reliable commuting option for the city’s residents. This underground line is expected to alleviate congestion on the surface and provide a faster alternative for commuters traveling between Aarey, BKC, and eventually Colaba. The upcoming launch marks a pivotal milestone in Mumbai’s urban transit development, reflecting the city’s stride towards advanced and sustainable transportation solutions.
