Mumbaikars, we come bearing good news! As per reports, the long-awaited opening of the first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3 is likely to happen by July 1, 2024. This underground stretch connecting Aarey to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) will be operational soon and it will help boost airport connectivity in the city. Read on to know more about this soon-to-inaugurate metro line.
Mumbai Metro Line 3 Likely To Open By July 1
The first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) is likely to become operational by the beginning of July 2024. Connecting Aarey to BKC, this underground stretch is 12 kilometres long and will greatly help ease commuting to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Besides that, it will also significantly reduce travel time for major routes.
For example, once operational, this line will help reduce travel time from Cuffe Parade to Aarey to just one hour. It is almost half the time it takes to cover the distance between the two areas.
Ms. @AshwiniBhide MD, MMRC along with Mr. @SubodhGupta_ Director, (Projects), Mr. Rajeev, Director (Systems) and other senior officials of MMRC visited #Churchgate & #HutatmaChowk today and reviewed the progress of ongoing civil and system works at the stations. #MetroLine3… pic.twitter.com/KIeCIEtFlM
— MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) March 13, 2024
It will also connect six major business and employment hubs in Mumbai. These include Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. Furthermore, it will also ease access to over 30 educational institutions, 13 hospitals, 14 religious sites, and more than 30 recreational facilities in the city.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) began integrated trial runs for Phase 1 of the underground Metro Line-3 on March 12. As per updates available on their X (formerly Twitter) account, Mumbai Metro Line 3 is now awaiting approval for passenger use from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
How This Soon-To-Inaugurate Metro Line Will Boost Airport Connectivity?
One of the reasons why people are waiting for the opening of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 is due to the relief it will provide to airport commuters. As per MMRCL’s plan, phase 1 of this underground stretch will connect domestic and international terminals of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
It will also link up with Metro 1 (Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar) at Marol, further connecting a metro line to the airport. The MMRCL plans to integrate Metro Line 3 with other Mumbai Metro lines, the Monorail, Suburban Rail, and ST Bus services. This will help alleviate congestion on suburban railways by almost 15%.
Reportedly, this Aqua line aims to serve 17 lakh passengers daily, once fully operational. It will be able to accommodate 2,500 passengers per trip and will run at a frequency of three to four minutes.
Latest Updates About The Aqua Line
Mumbai’s Aqua Line, Metro Line 3, is nearing completion with integrated trial runs next month. The project, almost finished at 96.3%, focuses on station beautification and minor adjustments.#mumbaimetro #Railways #tech #india
— India Tech & Economy (@Indtecheconomy) April 23, 2024
As per a report by The Times Of India or TOI, the aqua line is likely to be operational from July 1. As of now, the final work is being done. However, as per a recent article by The Financial Times, it is unlikely that the operations and control room will be completed by that time.
Therefore, a backup operations and control room has been established at the Bandra-Kurla Complex or BKC.
What are your thoughts on Mumbai Metro Line 3? Let us know in the comments!
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