Wed Sep 25 13:53:51 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai’s Underground Metro Line 3: A Faster, Cheaper Ride Opens in October
Mumbai’s long-awaited underground Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is set to open its doors to the public in early October. The first phase of the line will connect Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey in just 30 minutes, a journey that can take over an hour by road during peak traffic.
The 12.44km stretch with 10 stations will operate from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, offering 96 daily trips. Fares will range from Rs 10 to Rs 50 for a one-way journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the line during his visit to Mumbai, though confirmation from the state government is still pending.
MMRCL, the project’s operator, anticipates a daily ridership of 4.5 lakh passengers for Phase 1, with a potential capacity of 6.5 lakh. Trains will run every 6.5 minutes during peak hours, with an initial fleet of nine rakes, each with eight coaches.
The decision to construct the line underground was based on Mumbai’s dense urban landscape and limited space. The underground route minimizes disruption to surface activities and avoids interfering with air funnels and flight paths near the airport.
MMRCL is also addressing concerns regarding last-mile connectivity, collaborating with BEST and the transport department to integrate bus, auto, and other transport services.
While full integration is not expected at launch, MMRCL plans to monitor commuting patterns and make adjustments as needed.
The Metro will also connect to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport, although seamless integration is still under development. The full 33.5km corridor is expected to be operational by April or May 2025, with an anticipated daily ridership of 13 lakh for the entire route.
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