Mumbai’s ambitious Metro-3 project, which promises to transform urban transit with its Colaba-Bandra-Seepz route, has encountered significant delays. The latest hurdle stems from the stalled process of obtaining the crucial Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) certificate, an essential requirement for operational commencement.
The delay in certification has been compounded by incomplete fire safety clearances and unfinished work on several stations, resulting in a prolonged wait for Mumbaikars eagerly anticipating the service. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), responsible for the 33.5-kilometre Metro-3 corridor, is facing challenges in progressing with the project’s timeline. Despite prior announcements of various potential start dates, the first phase—stretching from Aarey to BKC—remains pending.
The MMRC’s recent efforts to expedite the project include aiming to launch this initial phase before the implementation of the assembly election code of conduct, which would restrict campaign-related activities and potentially impact project timelines. The CMRS certificate is a mandatory prerequisite for metro operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational standards. The process has been delayed due to incomplete station works and the absence of the ‘No Objection’ certificates from the fire brigade for several stations.
These certifications are crucial for verifying that the infrastructure meets safety requirements before it can be officially approved for public use. MMRC officials have indicated that they are working diligently to address these issues, with a focus on completing the pending tasks and obtaining the necessary clearances. The goal is to resolve the current bottlenecks and ensure that the first phase of Metro-3 can be operationalised promptly, thus bringing the much-needed relief to Mumbai’s congested transport network.
