The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) subway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with the under-construction Aqua Line 3 Metro station is nearing completion. This significant development marks a pivotal step towards the anticipated full operational launch of the Metro Line 3 corridor by December 2025. The integration promises to transform urban mobility for millions, offering seamless, eco-friendly transit and reinforcing Mumbai’s commitment to developing a sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable urban infrastructure that prioritises commuter convenience and efficiency.
The Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3, spanning a formidable 33.5 kilometres between Colaba and SEEPZ, is designed to serve an estimated 1.7 million passengers daily once fully operational. Its strategic design includes direct integration with eight existing railway stations, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus depot, and interconnections with the Metro Yellow Line 2B and Blue Line 1. This multi-modal connectivity is fundamental to decongesting Mumbai’s notoriously crowded transport networks, promoting a shift towards public transit, and thereby contributing to reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality across the city.
The direct underground link at CSMT is a prime example of thoughtful urban planning aimed at enhancing the commuter experience. An official confirmed that the new CSMT Metro station, strategically located across the road from the BMC headquarters at Azad Maidan, will provide direct access to the existing BMC underpass. This seamless underground connectivity represents one of multiple entry and exit points for the station, ensuring that passengers can transition effortlessly between different modes of transport, regardless of weather conditions or surface traffic. Such integrated design is vital for creating a truly accessible and equitable public transport system for all citizens.
Of the 27 stations planned for the Aqua Line 3, a remarkable 26 will be underground, minimising surface disruption in a densely populated metropolis like Mumbai. This subterranean approach reduces the environmental footprint of the project and preserves the city’s historical and architectural heritage, particularly in areas like CSMT. The sheer scale and complexity of this underground network underscore the engineering prowess involved, delivering a modern transit solution while respecting the urban fabric.
The ambitious Metro Aqua Line 3 project benefits from substantial financial backing, primarily from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The total project cost, recently revised to ₹37,276 crore following approval by the Union government in February this year, includes a significant JICA loan component of ₹21,280 crore. Such international partnerships are crucial for funding large-scale, sustainable infrastructure initiatives that are essential for the growth and resilience of megacities. This investment reflects a long-term vision for Mumbai’s urban development, focusing on high-capacity, low-emission transport solutions.
As the completion date approaches, the anticipation among Mumbaikars is palpable. The Aqua Line 3 is not merely an addition to the city’s transport network; it is a transformative artery that promises to enhance urban mobility, reduce travel times, and significantly contribute to environmental sustainability. By providing a comfortable, efficient, and accessible mode of transport, it supports the creation of a more liveable and productive urban environment, fostering a city that is truly zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable for all its inhabitants. The successful integration at CSMT stands as a symbol of Mumbai’s progressive stride towards a smarter, greener future.
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