All About Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Set to Launch with PM Modi’s Inauguration

Mumbai’s first underground metro line, the Metro 3 project (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ), is poised for partial inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month. This significant milestone will see the opening of the Aqua Line’s initial phase, which covers a 12-km stretch from Aarey Colony to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and includes 10 operational stations.

During his visit, PM Modi is also expected to launch various major projects in Maharashtra, including a segment of the Thane Creek Bridge and the final phase of the Samruddhi Expressway that connects Mumbai to Nagpur. Additionally, he will lay the groundwork for the Thane Ring Metro.

Key Details of the New Mumbai Metro Stretch:
– Distance: 12 kilometers
– Stations: 10 (between Aarey Colony and BKC)
– Total Corridor Length: 33.5 km
– Expected Completion of Full Line: March 2025
– Total Stations: 27
– Operational Hours: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays; 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekends
– Train Operations: Nine rakes will operate 96 trips daily, with each eight-car train capable of carrying around 2,500 passengers.
– Train Captains: 48 train captains will manage operations, with the potential for driverless trains.

This line will be crucial for daily commuters, providing vital links to both domestic and international airports. Once fully operational, the Aqua Line will connect the southern, central, and western parts of Mumbai, serving key areas such as Nariman Point, Mumbai Central, Worli, Dadar, and providing direct access to Mumbai International Airport.

Mumbai’s Metro Fare Structure:
While the fare for the Aqua Line has not yet been officially announced, it is anticipated to align with existing metro fare ranges:

– 0-3 km: Rs 10
– 3-12 km: Rs 20
– 12-18 km: Rs 30
– 18+ km: Rs 40 or more

Initially, passengers will receive paper tickets with QR codes, with plans to gradually introduce NCMC cards.

The partial inauguration of the Metro 3 corridor is expected to significantly impact urban travel, connecting crucial locations like Santacruz, Marol, and Ghatkopar. This underground line aims to alleviate road traffic congestion, especially in high-traffic western suburbs.

Originally slated for completion in 2021, the Aqua Line faced delays due to environmental concerns regarding the Aarey car depot and slow construction progress by contractors.

The Mumbai Metro network is rapidly expanding, with the Aqua Line being one of 14 planned metro lines aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing connectivity throughout the city.

Current and Upcoming Metro Lines:
– Line 1 (Blue Line): Running between Versova, Andheri, and Ghatkopar, this line includes 12 stations and covers 11.4 km.
– Line 2A (Yellow Line): A partially operational line connecting Dahisar (East) to DN Nagar along the Link Road, covering 18.6 km with 17 stations.
– Line 2B (Yellow Line): An extension from DN Nagar to Mandale.
– Line 4 (Green Line): Connecting Wadala to Kasarvadavali over 32.32 km, improving central Mumbai connectivity.
– Line 5 (Orange Line): This 24.95 km line links Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan.
– Line 6 (Pink Line): A 14.47 km line connecting Lokhandwala to Kanjurmarg for better east-west connectivity in the suburbs.
– Line 7 (Red Line): Operational from Dahisar (East) to Gundavali, covering 16.5 km with 14 stations.
– Line 9: An extension of Line 7 running from Dahisar (East) to Mira Bhayander.
– Line 8 (Airport Connector): Proposed to connect Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
– Line 10 and Line 11: Planned extensions to enhance connectivity between northern suburbs and business districts.
– Line 12: A future extension connecting Kalyan to Taloja in the outskirts of the city.
– Line 13 and Line 14: Proposed lines extending metro services from Mira Road to Virar and Kanjurmarg to Badlapur, reaching the more distant suburbs.