Mumbai Metro 3 Aqua Line: Colaba To BKC Corridor Nears Completion, New Deadlines Announced

The highly anticipated Mumbai Metro 3 Aqua Line, connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Cuffe Parade, is expected to commence operations by May 2025, according to a Times Now report. Spanning 33.5 kilometres, this underground corridor features 27 stations from Colaba to SEEPZ. Of these, 26 stations are underground, with just one at grade level.

The first phase of the Mumbai Metro 3, linking Aarey Colony to BKC, began operations on October 7, as per the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL). Officials report that work on the second phase, connecting BKC to Colaba, is 90 per cent complete. However, several local challenges remain to be resolved before operations can start, noted The Free Press Journal.

Photo Credit: PTI

Progress And Challenges

Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of the MMRCL, highlighted in an interview with CNBC-TV18 that while the target for completing the BKC to Colaba segment is March 2025, some delays may occur. She stated, "March 2025 is our target date. But it may take a couple of months more due to the testing phase." Complex stations like Girgaon and Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli are among those requiring additional attention, primarily due to local issues.

Improved Airport Access

The Metro 3 corridor is expected to significantly enhance connectivity to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). To address ongoing construction challenges at the Metro 7A station, the MMRCL has planned a temporary walkway linking Terminal 2 (T2) of the airport to the underground Metro 3 station outside the terminal. This temporary arrangement will remain in place until December 2025, by which time the Metro 7A project is expected to be complete.

Once completed, authorities will construct a permanent forecourt above the two underground stations, offering passengers direct access to T2. In the interim, passengers must continue to walk approximately 15 minutes between the metro station and the terminal.

The Metro 3 Aqua Line is poised to revolutionise Mumbai's transport network, providing faster, more convenient travel for thousands of commuters daily.