Mumbai Metro Line 3 To Roll Out From July 24; Discover Routes and Stations

Mumbai is preparing to launch its first underground Metro, Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line. Scheduled to start operating on July 24, this new addition aims to enhance the city's transportation network significantly. Vinod Tawde, General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), announced the news, highlighting its potential to improve Mumbai's speed and connectivity.

Authorities recently completed testing the trains for the Aqua Line, conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).

Mumbai Metro Line 3 Route

Covering a distance of 33.5 kilometres, Metro Line 3 will stretch from Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade, passing through key areas such as Colaba, Bandra, and SEEPZ (Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone). With 27 stations including Churchgate, CST Metro, and Worli, it aims to ease urban travel and reduce traffic congestion across Mumbai.

Phase I Of Mumbai Metro Line 3

Phase I of the Mumbai Metro 3 project, set to finish by December 2024, will connect SEEPZ to Bandra Kurla Complex. Originally planned for completion by September 2024, the project has received additional funding from the Maharashtra government to expedite its progress.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 Fare

While there is no announcement yet regarding the fare structure for Mumbai Metro Line 3, MMRC will implement an open-loop Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system. This will allow passengers to make contactless post-paid and pre-paid payments using smart cards, as well as pay fares using QR codes on their smartphones.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 Update

According to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation's website, almost all civil works, around 99.2 per cent, have been finished. Station construction is nearly complete at 97 per cent. Tunnelling work is fully done, with 77.6 per cent of systems work, 99.8 per cent of depot civil works, and 87 per cent of mainline track works also completed.

About Mumbai Metro Line 3 Project

Operated by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC), Mumbai Metro Line 3 is primarily an underground line, a joint venture between the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Maharashtra (GOM) on a 50:50 sharing basis. The construction plan, approved in 2018, was estimated to cost Rs 23,136 crore.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is financing most of the project, covering 57.2 per cent with an Official development assistance (ODA) loan of Rs 13,235 crore, to be repaid over 30 years at an interest rate of 1.15 per cent for project activities and 0.01 per cent for consulting services.

In September 2018, MMRC awarded a contract worth EUR 315 million to Alstom Transport and its Indian subsidiary to supply 336 coaches for the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line. Under the contract, Alstom will be responsible for the manufacture, design, supply, installation, and testing of the train sets. The line will use the Alstom Urbalis 400 CBTC (Communications Based Train Control) signalling system. Each coach will seat approximately 300 passengers, with a total capacity of 3,000 passengers per train.

Interestingly, Mumbai Metro Line 3 will feature Grade 4 automation, making it driverless. However, drivers will be employed during its first year of operation.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 Cost

Due to geographic and demographic challenges, land acquisition difficulties, COVID-19 led to delays and issues with the Aarey car shed land acquisition, the cost increased by Rs 10,269.82 crore, raising the total to Rs 33,406 crore.

Between 2021 and 2024, the project incurred extra costs, including Rs 520 crore for consultant fees, Rs 700 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement, Rs 1,500 crore for architectural systems, Rs 150 crore for office expenses, and Rs 1,000 crore for agreements. These additional expenses brought the total project cost to Rs 37,275.50 crore.