Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3: BKC to Aarey Phase 1 Operations to Begin From July, check details and stations
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) is all set to kickstart the first phase of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 operations from Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) by July. The necessary trial runs have been successfully completed, and the metro agency is geared up to run over 260 services with its fleet of 19 trains.
Once fully operational, Metro Line 3 is expected to serve around 1.7 million passengers daily. Trains will be running every three to four minutes, carrying approximately 2,500 passengers per trip. This line, being Mumbai’s only completely underground metro, will significantly enhance the city’s transportation system. The first phase of the 12-kilometer-long Metro 3 underground corridor runs from Aarey to BKC.
Status of Mumbai Metro Line 3 Trials
The overall Aqua Line (Line-3) of Mumbai Metro is a 33.5 km under-construction metro line with 27 stations, connecting Cuffe Parade, BKC, and Aarey Colony. The Metro agency had initially planned to start phase one operations in May but missed the deadline due to various factors. Now, the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO), which is responsible for assessment testing and operational approval, will arrive in the first week of June to evaluate the Metro 3 system.
Heavy load tests on Metro trains have already been conducted. These tests involved placing “gunny bags of debris” on board the trains to simulate passenger loads between BKC and Aarey. These trials were successful, with trains running at speeds of up to 95 km/hr. The RDSO will now assess the entire system, including safety and performance tests such as braking systems, acceleration and deceleration rates, and emergency response mechanisms. They will also inspect the quality and stability of tracks and related infrastructure, alignment, welding quality, and structural integrity.
Preparations for Phase 1 Operations
The MMRCL had earlier announced that work on the Aarey depot is almost complete, preparing for Phase 1 operations of Metro 3 between Aarey and BKC. Integrated trial runs for Phase 1 operations have already begun, and MMRCL will soon invite the RDSO to oversee critical aspects of the trials and commissioning. A spokesperson mentioned that only minor finishing works, testing, and trials of the system are in progress. While the depot is ready, the Operations and Control Centre for Phase 1 will not be fully operational. Instead, a backup Operations and Control Centre at BKC will handle the initial operations.
The depot covers 30 hectares, with five hectares left untouched, and includes a station, maintenance, operational, administrative, and training areas. Designed to accommodate 30 trains of eight cars each, the depot is being constructed at a cost of Rs 328 crore. The project faced a three-year delay due to litigation over the car depot issue, which is crucial for train operations. The depot acts as the nerve centre of Metro 3, enabling train functioning.
Mumbai Metro Line 3
Apart from easing commutes, the metro line will link six major employment and business hubs: Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. It will also provide access to over thirty educational institutions, fourteen religious sites, thirteen hospitals, and over thirty recreational facilities. Importantly, it will improve connectivity to underserved areas like Kalbadevi, Girgaon, and Worli.
Stations on the Line
Stations on this line include Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Shitladevi, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagri, Santa Cruz, CSIA Terminal 1 (Domestic Airport), Sahar Road, CSIA Terminal 2 (International Airport), Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Colony (the only at-grade station).
