Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the first phase of Mumbai’s much-anticipated Metro 3 project during his visit to the city next month. This partial inauguration will open a 12-km stretch of the Aqua Line, connecting Aarey Colony to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), with 10 operational stations along the route. The event marks a significant milestone in Mumbai’s metro network, as it will be the city’s first underground metro line.
The Aqua Line Phase 1 will offer critical connections for Mumbai’s daily commuters, providing access to key locations such as both domestic and international airports. Once fully operational, the Aqua Line will link southern, central, and western parts of Mumbai, making travel across the city more efficient and alleviating traffic congestion, especially in high-traffic zones like the western suburbs.
Key Details of the Aqua Line Phase 1
- Distance: 12 kilometers
- Stations: 10 (from Aarey Colony to BKC)
- Full Corridor Length: 33.5 km
- Completion of Full Line: Expected by March 2025
- Total Stations: 27
- Operational Hours: Weekdays from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, weekends from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Train Operations: Nine trains will make 96 trips daily, with each eight-car train carrying around 2,500 passengers.
- Train Captains: 48 captains will operate the trains, though the system is designed for driverless operations.
Major Project Launches by PM Modi
In addition to the Aqua Line inauguration, PM Modi will unveil several other infrastructure projects in Maharashtra. These include:
Thane Creek Bridge: A section of this bridge will be opened, improving connectivity across the city.
Samruddhi Expressway: The final phase of the expressway connecting Mumbai to Nagpur will be inaugurated.
Thane Ring Metro: The foundation for the Thane Ring Metro will be laid during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Impact on Travel and Connectivity
The partial inauguration of the Aqua Line is expected to have an immediate positive impact on travel within Mumbai. The stations in this phase will link critical areas like Santacruz, Marol, and Ghatkopar, providing a direct connection to commercial hubs like BKC. Additionally, the metro is expected to reduce road traffic congestion, particularly in areas such as Mumbai’s western suburbs.
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While the fare structure for the Aqua Line is yet to be officially confirmed, it is expected to follow similar pricing patterns as other metro lines in Mumbai.
Initially, passengers will receive paper tickets with a QR code, and later, NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) systems will be introduced to streamline payments.
Challenges and Delays
The Aqua Line, originally slated for completion in 2021, faced several delays due to environmental concerns, particularly over the construction of the Aarey car depot. Additionally, the slow pace of construction by contractors contributed to the project’s postponement.
The inauguration of the Aqua Line marks a pivotal moment in Mumbai’s journey towards improved public transport infrastructure, and the entire city is eagerly awaiting the full completion of this transformative project.
