Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) is gearing up for the commencement of Phase-1 operations of Mumbai Metro Line 3, which will run from Aarey Colony-JVLR to the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The operations are expected to begin soon, pending key certifications from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
MMRCL has initiated the process to secure a safety certification for its rolling stock from the CMRS, a critical step in the approval process. An MMRCL official stated, “We have geared up for operations of Phase-1 and have invited CMRS for the certification of Rolling Stock. The application for certification of the Aarey JVLR-BKC stations and the main line will be submitted after this certification. Once both these approvals are received from the Government of India, we will commence operations.”
When asked about the potential start date, the official indicated a tentative target of September 30 but stressed that the timeline is contingent on obtaining the necessary certifications. “We are trying for that. It all depends on the certifications. But what is important is we are very close to getting that,” she added. The ambitious Metro Line 3 is a 33.5-kilometre underground corridor that will connect Colaba, Bandra, and SEEPZ with 27 stations along its length. Out of these, 26 stations will be underground, with only one at grade. The project has faced multiple layers of clearances from various regulatory bodies, including the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), and CMRS.
MMRCL has procured 19 rakes, which are sufficient to operate Phase-1 of the metro corridor. Upon commencement, 260 services will operate daily, catering to an estimated 1.7 million passengers. The corporation is also focusing on multi-modal integration, including improved footpaths, foot overbridges, seating arrangements, and seamless connectivity with other modes of public transport to enhance the last-mile experience for commuters.
In a recent development, the Government of India signed the fifth and final tranche of the loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a major milestone in the project’s funding. The revised project cost of Mumbai Metro Line 3 stands at ₹37,276 crore, of which JICA is funding 57.09%, amounting to ₹21,280 crore. The latest tranche, amounting to 84 billion Japanese Yen (₹4,657 crore), was signed in February 2024, completing the financial arrangements that began in September 2013. Key stations along the route include Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CST Metro, Kalabadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central Metro, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Sitaladevi, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, Domestic Airport, Sahar Road, International Airport, Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Depot.
