Mumbai commuters are set to experience a transformative shift in urban mobility with the full inauguration of Metro-3, the city’s underground Aqua Line, on September 30. Stretching from Aarey Colony to Colaba, the line will provide a direct and efficient link between Ghatkopar in the eastern suburbs and Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai, reducing travel time and alleviating reliance on buses, taxis, and local trains. Officials highlight that the project is a key step toward sustainable, low-carbon, and equitable urban transport.
The Metro-3 corridor spans fully underground, encompassing strategic stations including Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, CSIA Domestic Airport, Sahar Road, CSIA International Airport, Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey. The line is designed to streamline connectivity across key commercial, heritage, and residential districts, enabling commuters to traverse approximately 36 kilometres in under 60 minutes. Currently, commuting between Ghatkopar and Cuffe Parade is cumbersome. Residents rely on a combination of Central Railway local trains, BEST buses, or shared cabs. The train journey to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) takes 35–40 minutes, followed by bus rides or walking to reach the southern business district, cumulatively consuming up to 75 minutes and costing Rs 70–100. By contrast, the integrated Metro-1 and Metro-3 route allows for a smoother, faster commute with fares ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 80 depending on distance, and travel time estimated at 45–60 minutes.
The connection between Metro-1 and Metro-3 is currently not fully internalised, requiring commuters to walk approximately 500 metres at Marol Naka to switch lines. Experts suggest that while the interchange walk adds minor inconvenience, the overall reduction in travel time, congestion, and transport-related emissions marks a significant improvement in urban mobility. The operational timings for Metro-3 are set from 5:55 AM to 10:30 PM, complementing Metro-1 services, which run from 5:30 AM to 11:50 PM, ensuring broad accessibility for daily commuters. Officials underscore that Metro-3 is equipped with modern signalling and safety systems, reinforcing gender-neutral, accessible, and eco-friendly transport standards.
Urban mobility experts note that the launch of Metro-3 is not only a commuter convenience but also a critical intervention for sustainable urban development. It offers an environmentally responsible alternative to road-based transport, reducing traffic congestion and carbon footprint while promoting equitable access across Mumbai’s diverse socioeconomic zones. With the inauguration of the Worli-Cuffe Parade stretch, residents of eastern suburbs can now reach South Mumbai in record time, marking a milestone in the city’s journey toward integrated, sustainable, and future-ready public transport.
Also Read: Bengaluru ₹20,649 Crore Namma Metro Extension To Tumakuru Faces Criticism
