In some good news for Mumbaikars, Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro line 3 will be operational soon. This is Mumbai’s first underground metro line and will be partially completed by mid-2024. Covering the Colaba–Bandra-SEEPZ route, this metro line will be quite crucial for Mumbai people as it can help reduce traffic congestion in the city. During an interview with The Indian Express, the managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), Ashwini Bhide revealed that “around 4.5 lakh vehicle trips per day are expected to decrease” after this line begins operations. Scroll on to know more details about this metro line.
Big Drop In Vehicle Usage In Mumbai After Metro Line 3 Begins Operations
About 95% of the work on Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 3 has been completed. And it is likely to commence operations by mid-2024. According to an interview with The Indian Express, MMRC’s Ashwini Bhide has spilt some tea about what can be expected from this soon-to-be-launched metro line. She mentioned that according to MMRC’s estimates, around “4.5 lakh vehicle trips per day are expected to decrease” on Mumbai roads after this line becomes operational.
Furthermore, after this line reaches its full capacity, “this number is projected to rise to approximately 6.5 lakh vehicle trips per day.” Although, this process will be gradual and take place in the next 5 to 10 years. She said that it will take time for people to embrace public transport. Ashwini Bhide also mentioned that once the Metro Line 3 corridor connects with other metro lines, the ridership will skyrocket. And people’s dependence on private vehicles will reduce.
Also Read: Hrithik Roshan Takes The Mumbai Metro To Work; Poses For Selfies With Swooning Passengers
Phase 1 To Commence Soon, All Focus On Finishing A Crucial Depot
While talking about the progress of Metro Line 3 Phase 1, Ashwini Bhide told The Indian Express that MMRC’s focus now is to complete the crucial depot on this line. She mentioned that “tunnelling from Aarey to BKC and the construction of nine intermediate stations” have been completed. The aforementioned depot is crucial for this line and has been encountered due to tree removal and excavation issues. Connecting this depot to the main line is what the MMRC is focusing on right now. They are targeting to fully complete Phase 1 of this line by May end of this year.
We, for one, can’t wait for the Metro Line 3 to operate soon and reduce the traffic congestion in Mumbai!
Cover Image Courtesy: Urbalis 400 & Canva (representative image)
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