Mumbai’s urban transit landscape witnessed a significant transformation over the weekend with the inauguration of the second phase of Metro Line 3, extending the Aqua Line from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli.
This development has already begun to reshape commuting patterns, as evidenced by the substantial increase in ridership. On Sunday, May 11, the newly extended corridor recorded a ridership of 32,725 passengers by 8:00 PM, marking a notable rise from the 26,758 commuters on the previous day. This surge underscores the immediate impact of enhanced connectivity on commuter preferences.
The second phase, covering a 9.6 km stretch, integrates key urban nodes, including Dharavi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, and Worli, into the metro network. This extension facilitates direct north-south travel from Aarey to Worli, eliminating the need for transfers and significantly reducing travel time. Commuters can now traverse this route in approximately 15 minutes, with trains operating every 6 minutes and 20 seconds. Transport officials anticipate further growth in passenger numbers as awareness of the new route increases. The enhanced connectivity is expected to alleviate congestion on parallel road and rail corridors, contributing to a more sustainable urban transport ecosystem.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has indicated that the full 33.5 km corridor, stretching from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, is expected to be operational by August 2025. This completion will mark a significant milestone in Mumbai’s efforts to modernize its public transportation infrastructure. Beyond transportation, the metro expansion is poised to influence the city’s real estate dynamics. Experts suggest that improved accessibility to commercial hubs like BKC and Worli could lead to increased property demand and values in these areas. Residential localities along the metro route, such as Santacruz, Andheri East, Kurla, Chembur, Dadar, and Prabhadevi, are projected to witness a 10–15% increase in property values over the next few years.
The integration of Metro Line 3 into Mumbai’s transit network represents a significant step towards creating a more connected, efficient, and sustainable urban environment. As the city continues to expand its metro infrastructure, the emphasis remains on enhancing commuter experience, reducing environmental impact, and fostering equitable urban development.
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