Mumbai’s highly anticipated underground Metro Line 3 has taken a major step towards becoming fully operational, as final inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) began this week.
The 9.77-kilometre stretch connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli is undergoing comprehensive safety and infrastructure checks, paving the way for public access as early as next week. Currently, the Aqua Line operates between Aarey and BKC, a 12.69-kilometre segment that began partial operations in October 2024. The forthcoming launch of the BKC-Worli stretch will bring the line’s second phase to life, connecting key neighbourhoods such as Dharavi, Sitaladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, and Worli. This section is particularly notable for its engineering complexity, as it traverses beneath the Mithi River—an achievement that highlights the technical prowess behind the project.
The CMRS inspection process is detailed and rigorous, covering structural integrity, track alignment, power systems, emergency response readiness, and compliance with passenger safety protocols. Approval from the CMRS is mandatory before any section of a metro line in India can be opened for public use, making this phase one of the most crucial in the timeline of any mass transit rollout. Once fully operational, Mumbai Metro Line 3 will span 33.5 kilometres, entirely underground, and include 27 stations connecting Cuffe Parade in the south to Aarey in the north. It is set to become a backbone for Mumbai’s public transportation ecosystem, reducing travel time, easing pressure on existing rail corridors, and linking key commercial zones like SEEPZ, MIDC, Andheri-Kurla Road, BKC, and Worli. The final leg of the line, extending from Worli to Cuffe Parade, is expected to be completed by July 2025.
With the city’s population consistently expanding and surface transport modes becoming increasingly congested, Metro Line 3 is expected to carry over 13 lakh passengers daily once operational. Officials forecast that the line will reduce vehicular trips by approximately 6.65 lakh each day, saving nearly 3.54 lakh litres of fuel and cutting carbon emissions significantly. Additionally, the metro will relieve about 15 per cent of the burden currently carried by Mumbai’s suburban rail network, providing commuters with a faster, safer, and more comfortable alternative. The project also aligns with the city’s climate resilience goals. The coaches used for Line 3 are manufactured with up to 96 per cent recyclable materials and have been designed for energy efficiency, consuming only 8.4 kWh per passenger per kilometre. In line with sustainability commitments, the project includes a comprehensive tree replantation and compensation programme, aiming to maintain urban green cover despite the temporary disruption caused during construction.
With ticket fares pegged at ₹60 for a one-way journey between Aarey and Acharya Atre Chowk, affordability remains central to the initiative’s promise of equitable access. Moreover, this underground corridor will improve connectivity to cultural and religious landmarks such as Siddhivinayak Temple, Shitaladevi Temple, and St. Michael’s Church, enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike. As Mumbai prepares for the next chapter in its transit transformation, the success of Metro Line 3 could set the tone for future urban mobility projects across India.
While the CMRS approval remains the final green light, expectations are high that the line will open to the public within days, marking a milestone in the city’s journey toward sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transportation.
Mumbai Metro Line 3 Inches Closer to Full Launch with Safety Inspection Completion
