First Glimpse of the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line| VISUALS

Mumbai Metro's Aqua Line 3, which connects Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), was unveiled on Tuesday. This line is expected to be operational from October 4, 2024.

Key Stations and Connectivity

Phase one of Aqua Line 3, spanning from Aarey to BKC, includes ten stations. It offers direct connectivity to both Terminals 1 and 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The line also intersects with the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka station, further enhancing transport options.

Project Cost and Passenger Capacity

With an estimated cost of ₹37,725 crore, Aqua Line 3 is projected to serve approximately 1.7 million passengers daily. The metro trains, featuring eight coaches, are designed to accommodate around 2,400 passengers in a combination of seated and standing arrangements.

Progress and Commissioning

Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), announced that 93% of the work on the line is complete. Full clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) is awaited before the line can be fully commissioned. The complete route between Colaba and Aarey is expected to be operational by March or May 2025.

Mumbai’s First Underground Metro

This will be Mumbai's first fully underground metro line, connecting key business hubs like Nariman Point, Lower Parel, and SEEPZ. It will also improve access to educational institutions, hospitals, and recreational centers across the city.

Bhide said they have planned 96 daily services between Aarey and BKC, with eight trains in their fleet from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm, except on Sunday when the first service will be at 8.30 am.

She said the minimum fare on the line will be Rs 10, the maximum will be Rs 50, and the maximum fare will be Rs 70 when the entire Colaba-SEEPZ-Aarey corridor is commissioned.

The designed speed of eight coach Metro trains on the line is 85 kmph, while the average running speed will be 35 kmph.

Bhide said there will be 48 captains, including ten women, for the train operation. There will be many women in the operation and maintenance of the line once it is commissioned

(With PTI Inputs)