In a major achievement, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has completed the track laying for the second phase of the Metro 3 project, known as the Aqua Line, well ahead of the projected May 2025 deadline. The completion of this crucial task marks a significant milestone in the development of Mumbai’s much-awaited underground metro system, which is set to transform the city’s public transport landscape.
Metro 3, a 33.5-kilometer-long underground corridor, will provide much-needed relief to Mumbai’s notorious traffic congestion. Phase 2 of the project, which spans from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Cuffe Parade, is now on track for a full operational rollout by May 2025. The first phase, linking Aarey Colony to BKC, has already begun operations as of October 7, 2024, offering commuters a new, efficient alternative to the overcrowded road networks. A senior MMRCL official shared that the track-laying work for Phase 2 stations is 100 percent complete, with a remarkable 90 percent of the remaining work also finished. However, a few stations in key areas like Girgaon and Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli are still facing minor delays due to local issues, which are expected to be resolved soon. While the project was originally targeted for completion by March 2025, the official noted that additional testing and safety checks might push the final launch to May 2025.
The Metro 3 corridor, which connects Colaba to SEEPZ, is a highly anticipated infrastructure project for Mumbai. With 27 stations in total, including 26 underground stations, this metro line is designed to reduce commute times, ease traffic congestion, and promote cleaner, more sustainable public transport. Upon completion, the Aqua Line is expected to serve over 1.5 million passengers daily, thereby significantly reducing the burden on Mumbai’s roads and existing rail networks. The second phase, which includes critical stations such as Churchgate, CST Metro, Kalabadevi, Girgaon, and Dadar, will enhance connectivity between the city’s central business districts, residential zones, and major landmarks. This improved connectivity is expected to boost economic activity, shorten travel times, and offer a more comfortable and reliable travel experience for thousands of daily commuters.
Additionally, the Metro 3 project is expected to contribute significantly to reducing Mumbai’s carbon footprint. By providing a sustainable alternative to road transport, it will decrease the city’s dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles, thus helping to alleviate pollution levels in the city. Once operational, Metro 3 will play a pivotal role in shaping Mumbai’s future as a more connected, efficient, and environmentally-friendly metropolis. The project has already created a significant number of employment opportunities during its construction phase, and as the system nears completion, it is poised to generate more jobs in the metro operations and maintenance sectors. As work progresses, residents and businesses in the areas serviced by the Metro 3 corridor are eagerly awaiting the benefits of the new system.
With the track laying phase completed ahead of schedule, MMRCL is now focusing on finalising the installation of signalling systems, testing, and other essential infrastructure works to ensure a smooth, safe, and reliable operation when the Aqua Line opens. The completion of Phase 2 of Metro 3 is not just a significant achievement in terms of urban transport but also a key step toward making Mumbai’s public transportation network one of the most modern and efficient in the country.
