Mumbai’s quest for an efficient, carbon-neutral mass transit network is set to take a transformative step as the 9.77-km underground stretch of Metro Line 3 between Bandra Kurla Complex and Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli enters the final phase of safety inspections.
The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety has commenced a critical evaluation of the corridor, and subject to regulatory clearances, the route could be operational within the coming week. This milestone is anticipated to significantly reshape east-west connectivity and reduce vehicular load on surface roads, bringing the city closer to its sustainable mobility goals. The Metro Line 3 project, also known as the Aqua Line, has already been partially functional since October 2024, connecting Aarey to BKC over 12.69 km. The addition of this new leg marks a pivotal development in Mumbai’s underground metro blueprint. With a seamless connection via Dharavi, Sitaladevi, Dadar, and Siddhivinayak, the extension to Worli includes a major engineering feat: the tunnelling underneath the Mithi River.
This infrastructure push has not only demonstrated technical prowess but has also aligned with Mumbai’s long-term aspirations to move towards a less congested, more resilient, and low-emission public transport ecosystem. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, the executing authority behind this ambitious venture, has already submitted all necessary documentation for safety evaluation, including clearances from the Independent Safety Assessor secured in March. The CMRS inspection is expected to cover the full spectrum of operational parameters, ranging from track alignment and structural soundness to power supply systems, emergency response protocols, and automated signalling mechanisms. If the corridor meets the requisite safety benchmarks, the stretch could witness its first passengers within days, providing commuters with a reliable and environmentally sound alternative to road travel.
Once functional, the BKC–Worli link will serve as a backbone for daily travel between major commercial and residential zones. The corridor’s reach into densely populated areas and its integration with other transit systems could help ease traffic snarls and reduce air pollution by disincentivising private vehicle use. It is estimated that a full journey from Aarey to Acharya Atre Chowk will cost Rs 60, offering a competitive and accessible fare structure. With the full 33.5-km Aqua Line expected to be completed by July 2025, including the extension up to Cuffe Parade, the metro is poised to become a vital cog in Mumbai’s mobility network.
The upcoming stretch, with its strategic station locations and commitment to inclusive access, is not only a logistical win but also a step towards equitable urban infrastructure. It caters to a broad spectrum of passengers—from daily wage earners and college students to office-goers and pilgrims visiting iconic locations like Siddhivinayak Temple or St. Michael’s Church. This human-centric planning, if sustained, could contribute meaningfully to a more accessible and gender-sensitive transit landscape.
As Mumbai grapples with the dual challenge of urban congestion and rising carbon emissions, the acceleration of metro projects like Line 3 is a welcome sign of change. It reflects a necessary shift in policy and execution towards building cities that are not only smart but also humane, inclusive, and future-ready. The successful rollout of this stretch will not just serve commuters—it will stand as a testament to Mumbai’s growing commitment to sustainable urban evolution.
Mumbais Aqua Line gets closer to launch after safety checks begin
