Metro-3 Completes Trial Till Cuffe Parade: Set For July Launch, How Aqua Line Will Help Mumbai Commuters – News18

Last Updated:March 02, 2025, 18:41 IST

Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line: The MMRC, in a release, said it had achieved a “historic milestone” with this trial, adding that it demonstrated the readiness of key infrastructure elements, including rolling stock, tracks, and civil works

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) on Friday achieved a significant milestone towards completion of the city’s first underground corridor, as a trial train reached Cuffe Parade station, the last point of the 33.5-km Metro-3, also known as the aqua line.

The MMRC, in a release, said it had achieved a “historic milestone” with this trial, adding that it demonstrated the readiness of key infrastructure elements, including rolling stock, tracks, and civil works.

“The arrival of train trial at Cuffe Parade, covering a 10.99 km stretch from Acharya Atrey Chowk to Cuffe Parade, marks a crucial step toward the commissioning of Phase 2B,” the release stated.

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MMRC managing director Ashwini Bhide said, “Train trials for Phase 2A from Dharavi to Acharya Atrey Chowk are in full swing, and simultaneously, we have successfully initiated train movement from Acharya Atrey Chowk to Cuffe Parade. We are committed to commissioning the entire line by July 2025.”

THE PHASES

As Mumbai’s first entirely underground Metro line, the project is a monumental engineering achievement. Once operational, it will significantly transform the city’s public transportation system, easing traffic congestion and cutting down travel time across the metropolitan region:

1. Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC): The 12.69-km phase one of the Mumbai Metro-3 aqua line was thrown open to the public on October 7, 2024. The stations on phase one include BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1, Sahar Road, CSMIA T 2, Marol Naka, Andheri, SEEPZ and Aarey Colony JVLR (the only station at grade).
2. BKC to Worli: The phase two will have the following stations — Dharavi, Shitaladevi Temple, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Temple, Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk.
3. Worli to Cuffe Parade: The phase three will have the following stations — Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, CSMT, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan, Cuffe Parade

HOW IT WILL HELP

When fully operational, the entire Metro-3 line will connect key areas of Mumbai through 27 stations, of which 26 will be underground.

Trains are expected to run at intervals of just 4 minutes and 24 seconds during peak hours, ensuring that the Metro system offers a rapid and efficient mode of transportation for Mumbai’s bustling population.

It will drastically improve connectivity to major commercial hubs such as Nariman Point, Bandra-Kurla Complex and SEEPZ, making it easier for commuters to travel across the city.

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The Metro is projected to serve approximately 1.3 million passengers daily, offering a much-needed alternative to the city’s overcrowded roadways and suburban rail network.

The introduction of this Metro line is expected to reduce overall road traffic by 35%, easing congestion and reducing travel time for both public transport users and motorists.