Mumbai’s first underground metro line, the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line, also known as Mumbai Metro Line 3 or the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line, is set to begin operations on July 24. This major development in the city’s transportation infrastructure was announced by BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde. The new line is expected to significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of Mumbai’s public transit system.
Key Details of Mumbai Metro Line 3
Phase 1 Operations:
– The first phase of the line, operated by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL), runs from Aarey Colony to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
Specifications:
– Length: 33.5 kilometers
– Stations: 27 stations, 26 of which are underground
– Daily Passenger Capacity: 1.7 million
– Integration: Connects with eight railway stations, MSRTC services, and metro lines 2B and 1.
Route Stops:
– The line includes stops at key locations such as Aarey Colony, SEEPZ, MIDC, Marol Naka, CSMIA T2, Sahar Road, CSMIA T1, Santacruz, Vidyanagari, BKC, Dharavi, Shitladevi Temple, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Temple, Worli, Acharya Atrey Chowk, Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhawan, and Cuffe Parade.
Project Cost and Funding
– Total Cost: Rs 23,136 crore
– Funding Source: A significant portion of the funding, 57.2%, is provided by a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ODA loan amounting to Rs 13,235 crore.
– Loan Terms: The loan has a 30-year repayment period, with a 1.15% interest rate for the project and a 0.01% interest rate for consulting services.
Features and Advancements
– The new metro line will feature continuous mobile service and trains capable of accommodating 3,000 passengers each.
– Testing of electrical systems and integrated testing of the rolling stock with signalling is currently in progress. Once these tests are completed, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will be invited for an inspection.
Impact on Mumbai’s Transportation
This metro line is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a faster, more reliable mode of transportation for Mumbai’s residents. It represents a significant modernization project aimed at improving the overall quality of life in the city.
Prime Minister’s Commitment
Vinod Tawde emphasized that this project fulfills Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to improving the lives of Mumbaikars by enhancing the city’s infrastructure.
The commencement of Mumbai Metro Line 3 is a milestone in the city’s journey towards modern and efficient urban transportation.