Mumbai Metro’s First Underground Phase Soon

The first phase of Mumbai’s underground metro is set to be operational soon. Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), announced that Metro Line 3’s first phase is awaiting safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).

The first 12.5 km stretch of this line, connecting Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), is part of the 33.5 km Colaba-Seepz-Aarey Metro Line 3. Bhide stated that approval has already been granted for the rolling stock (metro trains), while the approval for the rail line is pending.

According to official sources, the 12.5 km stretch from Aarey Colony to BKC is expected to be inaugurated in the first week of October by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside other state infrastructure projects.

Bhide mentioned that around 93% of the corridor work has been completed, and the entire Colaba to Aarey line is likely to be operational by March or May 2025. The Aarey-BKC stretch will have ten stations, providing connectivity to both Terminal 1 and 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka station.

Bhide further added that there will be 96 daily services between Aarey and BKC, with eight trains operating from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. On Sundays, the first service will commence at 8:30 AM. The minimum fare will be Rs 10, while the maximum fare will be Rs 50 for the Aarey-BKC stretch, increasing to Rs 70 when the entire Colaba-Seepz-Aarey corridor is operational.

The metro trains are designed to travel at a speed of 85 km/h, with an average running speed of 35 km/h. The first phase of the corridor will have a carrying capacity of over six lakh passengers per day. There will be 48 captains for the train operations, including ten women. A significant number of women will also be involved in the operation and maintenance of the line once it is commissioned.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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