Sunday, September 8, 2024 Mumbai residents are about to experience a major upgrade in their transportation options with the highly anticipated launch of Mumbai Metro 3, the state’s second underground metro line. Recently, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) took a key step forward by inviting the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) to inspect and approve the metro trains. An additional inspection of the tracks between Aarey Colony and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is scheduled for next week.
The first services along this route are expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. The initial phase of the Mumbai Metro 3, also known as the Aqua Line, will feature 10 stations covering a 12 km distance. Upon full completion, the corridor will stretch 33.
5 km with a total of 27 stations.SK Gupta, Director (Projects) at MMRC, stated that the request for the inspection of the metro trains, referred to as rolling stock, was filed with the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) last week. MMRC’s Managing Director, Ashwini Bhide, confirmed that an invitation will be extended to the CMRS next week to inspect and certify the entire segment slated for operation, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Officials are expecting the launch event to occur between the conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh festival and the implementation of the model code of conduct for the upcoming elections. Both the state government and the MMRC have already sent an invitation to Prime Minister Modi for the event. The Aqua Line is expected to significantly improve connectivity for travelers, linking the city’s international and domestic airports to key commercial areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex, Andheri East, MIDC, and the SEEPZ jewelry hub.
Additionally, the Aqua Line will connect with Mumbai Metro 1 at Marol Naka, providing access to other metro lines at Gundavali and Andheri West, and railway stations at Andheri and Ghatkopar, enhancing travel between the western and eastern suburbs. The groundbreaking ceremony for this 33.5-km-long project was held on August 26, 2014, at Marol, with construction officially starting in October 2016.
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