Mumbai is on the brink of a significant enhancement to its public transport infrastructure with the imminent launch of the Aqua Line, a major component of the city’s metro expansion plan. The Aqua Line, spanning 33.5 kilometres from Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade, is poised to transform urban mobility across the metropolis.
Initially approved in June 2013 with a budget of INR 23,136 crore, the project has experienced substantial cost escalation, now standing at INR 37,276 crore. The primary financier of this ambitious venture is the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been entrusted with the operational and maintenance responsibilities for the Aqua Line over the next decade. This new metro line, predominantly underground with 26 out of 27 stations located below ground, is set to offer a crucial upgrade to Mumbai’s transportation network.
The Aqua Line will notably reduce travel times and alleviate traffic congestion, providing a faster, more reliable alternative to road transport. With a maximum speed of 90 km/h, it will cover the 35-kilometre route in approximately 50 minutes—an improvement over the current road journey which exceeds two hours. The line will serve a range of key areas, linking major city zones including SEEPZ (Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone) and BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex). The list of stations along the Aqua Line includes prominent locations such as Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, CST Metro, and several others, extending to Aarey Depot.
Operational hours for the Aqua Line are scheduled from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm daily, ensuring accessibility throughout peak and off-peak hours. The comprehensive network aims to enhance commuter convenience, offering a cleaner, more efficient travel option compared to traditional road-based transport. The Aqua Line’s completion signifies a milestone in Mumbai’s metro expansion, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of large-scale infrastructure development.
