Get ready for a new era of transportation in Mumbai! The much-awaited Metro Line-3, also known as the Colaba–Bandra-SEEPZ line or Aqua Line, is on track to launch by the end of September. This ambitious project, considered one of the most technically challenging infrastructure ventures in the city, will revolutionize how people move around Mumbai.
Spanning a massive 33.5 kilometers, the underground line will connect key business, financial, and entertainment hubs, including Nariman Point, Fort, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), SEEPZ, and MIDC. This is a game-changer for the city’s public transportation system.
The first phase of the line, connecting Aarey Colony and BKC, will be operational by September. The second phase, which will extend the line from BKC to Colaba, is expected to launch in 2025. Once fully operational, Metro-3 will serve approximately 1.7 million commuters daily, transporting them efficiently with trains running every 3 to 4 minutes and a capacity of 2,500 passengers per trip.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) is overseeing this massive undertaking, with a total cost estimated at ₹38,000 crore. Upon completion, the metro will offer commuters a swift journey from Colaba to SEEPZ in under an hour, running along both North-South and South-North corridors, similar to the Central and Western Railway suburban lines.
Strategically located stations near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Churchgate, as well as the key interchange hub at Dadar, will provide seamless connections between various transport systems in the city. The metro will also enhance accessibility to over 30 educational institutions, 13 hospitals, 14 religious landmarks, and over 30 recreational venues.
Furthermore, the system will integrate with other Metro lines, the Monorail, Suburban trains, and ST bus services, resulting in an estimated 15% reduction in congestion on the city’s suburban railway network. Metro Line-3 is poised to not only improve connectivity but also alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the overall quality of life in Mumbai.
