Mumbai’s public transport infrastructure, the Maharashtra state government has sanctioned ₹1,163 crore for Metro Line 3, the city’s first underground metro corridor. The corridor will connect Aarey in the western suburbs with Colaba in south Mumbai. With approximately 98% of the work completed, the first phase of the corridor, stretching from Aarey to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), is expected to be operational by September this year. The second phase, extending from BKC to Colaba, is slated for completion by December 2024.
This development comes amid growing concerns over the overcrowding in Mumbai’s suburban trains, highlighted by a recent observation from the Bombay High Court, which criticised the railways for the dire conditions faced by commuters. The court’s comments underscore the urgency for alternative transit solutions like the metro to alleviate the burden on the existing public transport system.
During the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the state government’s approval of the additional ₹1,163 crore funding brings the total project cost to ₹37,275.50 crore, up from the previous estimate of ₹23,000 crore. This financial boost will be directly provided to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), bypassing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a major financier of the Metro 3 project, attributed delays to land acquisition challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, JICA representatives expressed confidence in the project’s progress, describing it as both steady and satisfactory.
An official from JICA India emphasised the importance of Metro Line 3, calling it a priority project for both the Japanese government and JICA. The project is seen as crucial for Mumbai, a city grappling with severe traffic congestion and escalating pollution levels. “Metro 3 is vital as it links major landmarks, educational institutions, and business centres,” the JICA official noted, expressing optimism about the project’s imminent completion.
Addressing concerns over the significant cost escalation, the JICA official explained that such increases are sometimes unavoidable in large-scale urban projects. The revised cost has been meticulously reviewed and deemed appropriate through collaborative discussions between stakeholders from the Indian and Japanese governments.
The completion of Metro Line 3 is anticipated to significantly ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution in Mumbai. As the city continues to expand and modernise, the Metro 3 corridor will play a pivotal role in transforming its public transport landscape, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to the overburdened suburban rail network. The MMRC, under the leadership of its commissioner, is intensifying efforts to ensure the timely and successful completion of this crucial infrastructure project.
