In a significant advancement for the city’s public transportation, the Mumbai Metro Line 3 Phase 2A has officially commenced operations, linking Aarey to Worli in just 36 minutes.
This development extends the underground corridor to 22 kilometres, substantially easing congestion on both roads and the suburban rail network. The newly operational stretch includes six underground stations: Dharavi, Shitla Devi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli, and Acharya Atre Chowk. Trains will run every six minutes and twenty seconds, with eight trains making 244 trips daily. Fares range from ₹10 to ₹40, depending on the distance travelled . The extension is expected to significantly improve access between major employment hubs, with the BKC-Worli section taking just 36 minutes to cover by Metro . Although Dadar Metro station lies about a kilometre from the existing suburban railway station, planners believe the strategic location of new stations will enhance overall network efficiency.
Since the launch of the Aarey-BKC section in October 2024, Metro Line 3 has recorded an average daily ridership of 25,000. Authorities anticipate a significant increase in footfall with the southward extension reaching high-density commercial and residential zones . The project, initially planned as two separate segments—Aarey to BKC and BKC to Cuffe Parade—was redesigned during execution. Operational crossovers were introduced at Acharya Atre Chowk and CSMT to streamline train movement and enhance service frequency.
One of the most complex engineering tasks was the successful tunnelling beneath the Mithi River, which posed significant logistical and technical challenges during construction . The underground line informally intersects with Metro 2A, Metro 7, and Metro 1, creating a web of transportation across the city’s western suburbs and also a link to areas around Ghatkopar in the eastern suburbs. Metro Line 3 promises to drastically reduce travel times and ease congestion along the Western Express Highway and Western Railway. The combined impact of the Metro lines, WEH, and WR will make suburban commuting quicker and smoother.
The final phase of the Metro Line 3 between Worli and Cuffe Parade in south Mumbai is expected to become operational in August . Once completed, the full corridor will significantly ease the load on Mumbai’s suburban network and road traffic, further enhancing the city’s public transportation landscape. As Mumbai continues to evolve, the successful implementation of Metro Line 3 Phase 2A marks a pivotal moment in the city’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive urban development
Also Read: Frome Mumbai Metro BKC to Worli in 15 Minutes Flat
