Mumbai Metro 3’s Aqua Line will begin operations with revised timings from Monday, offering commuters an earlier start to their day. The first trains from both terminal stations, Aarey JVLR and Acharya Atre Chowk, will now depart at 5:55 am instead of the earlier 6:30 am schedule, while the last services will continue at 10:30 pm. Officials say the adjustment aims to reduce morning congestion and improve overall commuter experience.
Authorities have indicated that the Aqua Line, spanning 33.5 kilometres from Colaba to Aarey, could be fully operational by Dussehra. The final phase, extending from Worli to Cuffe Parade, has undergone preliminary inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). The inspection report is expected to be submitted shortly, after which a final safety review will be conducted. Pending approvals, the full corridor may be commissioned by late September or early October. Currently, the 22.46-kilometre stretch from Aarey to Acharya Atre Chowk is operational. Trial runs for the remaining 10.99-kilometre segment have been ongoing since April. The final section will add 11 stations, bridging South Mumbai with key suburban areas, and is anticipated to transform commuting patterns across the city.
Officials from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) emphasised that any recommendations from the initial CMRS inspection will be promptly addressed to ensure safety compliance. Once fully functional, passengers will be able to travel directly from Colaba to Worli, Santacruz, the airport, and Aarey. The line is expected to significantly cut travel times, provide a sustainable alternative to road transport, and ease the burden on overcrowded local trains. The project also aligns with the city’s sustainable mobility agenda. By reducing private vehicle usage, the fully operational Aqua Line is expected to lower carbon emissions and contribute to zero-net-carbon urban transport goals. Officials highlighted that the underground design mitigates environmental and noise impact while providing equitable access to commuters across socioeconomic groups.
For residents commuting to Colaba and southern suburbs, the operational Metro 3 segment already offers relief by connecting previously unlinked areas, while the upcoming full corridor promises a seamless journey. City planners have noted that the line will encourage more gender-neutral and accessible commuting, with facilities designed for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers. With the combination of revised schedules and impending full commissioning, Mumbai Metro 3 Aqua Line is positioned as a game-changer in urban mobility, promising safer, faster, and environmentally responsible transport for the city.
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