Metro Line 3: 36-Minute Ride from Aarey to Worli for ₹60
Mumbai is all set to bring a new wave of convenience and sustainability to its congested transport system with the expansion of Metro Line 3. The much-anticipated underground stretch from Aarey to Worli, expected to open in March, will provide commuters with a smooth, air-conditioned journey across some of the city’s most densely packed neighbourhoods. With fares starting at a modest ₹10 and reaching up to ₹60, the new line is poised to offer an attractive alternative to the daily struggles of road transport in the island city.
The extension, which adds 22 kilometres to the Metro network, will ease traffic on major routes such as Lady Jamshedji Road and Dr Annie Besant Road, notorious for their congestion. Once fully operational, the Metro will serve as a lifeline for commuters traversing areas like Dharavi, Dadar, and Worli. “I’m often stuck in traffic on Dr Annie Besant Road, and the thought of being able to travel stress-free from Worli to Seepz for just ₹60 is a dream come true,” said one commuter, echoing the relief many will feel once the Metro service begins.For residents of South Mumbai, the Line 3 extension marks a turning point in urban mobility. The underground Metro will serve as a critical alternative to the already strained road transport system, offering direct connectivity to major commercial hubs like Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Worli.
Despite some connectivity challenges—such as the Dadar Metro station being located a kilometre away from the Dadar railway station—the new line is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of daily commuters.
Phase I of Metro Line 3, which stretches from Aarey to BKC, has been operational since October 2023, and it already attracts about 25,000 passengers daily. Though ridership is still below projections, it demonstrates the growing preference for a faster, more reliable alternative to Mumbai’s notorious traffic jams. The Phase II extension will bring the Metro right into the heart of South Mumbai, where traffic congestion and long travel times have long been the norm.
The Metro project has faced several technical and logistical challenges along the way, most notably in tunnelling beneath the Mithi River. In one of the most complex engineering feats, twin tunnels were created below the riverbed using special earth pressure balance tunnel boring machines (EPB TBMs). These machines, designed to work in waterlogged soil, were crucial in ensuring the project’s success. Additionally, the Acharya Atre Chowk station in Worli, located at a major traffic junction, required sophisticated support systems, including steel trusses, during construction to avoid disruptions to ongoing civic infrastructure.
Despite these hurdles, the Metro expansion project has made remarkable progress, and the completed stretch promises to deliver much-needed relief to the city’s overburdened transport network. With the opening of the underground line, Mumbaikars can finally look forward to a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable mode of commuting.
The introduction of Metro Line 3 not only addresses the growing demand for efficient public transportation but also aligns with Mumbai’s broader vision of reducing carbon emissions and building an eco-friendly, equitable city. As more people shift to Metro travel, the city’s roads will see reduced traffic, contributing to improved air quality and a more sustainable urban environment.
The Rs 60 fare for the 36-minute journey between Aarey and Worli is expected to be a game-changer for many commuters who are currently at the mercy of unpredictable road transport. As the city continues to modernise its infrastructure, the expansion of Metro Line 3 stands as a significant milestone in creating a more connected, efficient, and environmentally friendly Mumbai.
The next few months will be critical in gauging how much of an impact the Metro will have on the daily lives of Mumbaikars. However, the initial signs are promising, with growing anticipation around the ease of travel and the hope that Mumbai’s public transport network will continue to evolve towards a more sustainable future.
