Mumbai is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its public transportation landscape. The city’s first fully underground metro corridor, Metro Line 3, is set to become fully operational by August 2025, according to official announcements.
This 33.5 km corridor, stretching from Colaba to SEEPZ, aims to revolutionize urban mobility by providing a faster, more efficient alternative to the city’s congested roads. The recent inauguration of Phase 2A, covering a 9.77 km stretch between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli, marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress. This phase adds six new stations to the network, including key areas like Dharavi, Dadar, and Siddhivinayak Temple, enhancing accessibility for commuters in these densely populated regions.
Officials anticipate that once the entire line is operational, it will cater to approximately 1.3 million passengers daily. This is a substantial increase from the current ridership of over 20,000 passengers between Aarey JVLR and BKC. The full corridor is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion, with estimates suggesting that nearly 500,000 vehicles could be removed from the roads, leading to considerable savings in fuel and commuting time. The Metro Line 3 project, which commenced in 2017, has faced several delays due to various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. These setbacks have escalated the project’s cost from the initial ₹23,000 crore to ₹37,000 crore. Despite these hurdles, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has made significant strides in advancing the project towards completion.
The corridor’s design includes 26 underground stations and one at-grade station, making it the country’s longest fully underground metro line. The integration of this line with other metro lines, monorail, suburban rail, and the Mumbai International Airport is expected to provide seamless connectivity across the city. In addition to improving daily commutes, Metro Line 3 is poised to have a positive impact on the environment by promoting the use of public transportation and reducing reliance on private vehicles. This shift is anticipated to contribute to lower carbon emissions and support the city’s sustainability goals.
The final phase of the project, extending from Worli to Cuffe Parade, is scheduled for completion by August 2025. Upon completion, the entire corridor will offer a rapid transit option that connects key business hubs, residential areas, and cultural landmarks, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for Mumbai’s residents. As Mumbai prepares for the full launch of Metro Line 3, the city stands at the threshold of a new era in urban transportation, characterized by improved connectivity, reduced congestion, and a commitment to sustainable development
Also Read : Mumbai Metro Phase 2A Begins Operations
