CM Fadnavis previews Mumbai Metro Line 3 Phase 2-BKC-Worli today
CM Fadnavis previews Mumbai Metro Line 3 Phase 2-BKC-Worli today
Mumbai gears up to open another leg of its first underground Metro, with Phase 2 of Metro Line 3 — the Aqua Line which becomes operational from Saturday, May 10.
CM Devendra Fadnavis took a preview ride on Friday May 9 from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Siddhivinayak station, ahead of the line’s public opening on Saturday 10 April.
The new 9.6-km underground stretch extends the existing corridor from BKC up to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli Naka, adding six new stations between Dharavi and Worli. This follows the recent safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), the final hurdle before commencing commercial operations.
Currently, a 12.69-km stretch of Metro Line 3 — from Aarey to BKC — is operational, with 11 stations, including 10 underground and one at-grade station at Aarey, which also houses the Metro 3 car shed.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, is implementing the 33.5-km corridor that will eventually connect Colaba to SEEPZ through some of Mumbai’s most congested and sensitive zones. The entire corridor will have 27 stations and is expected to handle a daily ridership of 14 lakh in its first year.
A Game-Changer for Mumbai’s Transport
Envisioned as a modern mass rapid transit system, Metro Line 3 aims to supplement the overburdened suburban railway system and reduce the city’s road congestion. Once fully operational, the line is projected to cut daily vehicle trips by 6.5 lakh and bring down average travel time and pollution levels..Mumbai’s public transport share has declined from 88% in 1991 to 65% in 2017.
Notwithstanding the growing population, Metro and Monorail together currently account for just 2% of the city’s transport share, as per the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (2016). In contrast, suburban railways handle 43%, BEST buses 20%, and private vehicles such as two-wheelers and cars the remainder.
Engineering Feat Below the City
Constructing Metro 3 has been a daunting task. The twin-tunnel corridor passes under high-rises, heritage structures, and utilities including 180 km of cables, 4.2 km of large water pipelines, 2 km of stormwater drains, and 2.75 km of gas lines. The tunnelling had to be adapted for varying geological conditions—from basalt rock to volcanic tuff and shale—with constant challenges from groundwater ingress, especially near the coast.
News Edit KV Raman
