The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) is gearing up for the commencement of Phase 1 operations of Metro 3 (Aqua Line), with 99.5% of the work completed on the Aarey depot. Reportedly, commercial operations are expected to begin on July 1, with trains running between Aarey and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

Integrated trial runs for Phase 1 have already begun, and the MMRCL plans to invite the Research, Design, and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to review the critical aspects of the trials and commissioning.

While minor finishing works, testing, and trials are still pending, the depot is ready. However, the Operations and Control Room will not be fully operational for Phase 1, necessitating the use of a backup center at BKC to manage train movements.

The Aarey depot spans 30 hectares, with 25 hectares dedicated to a station and depot, and 5 hectares reserved for other uses. The facility includes spaces for maintenance, operations, administration, and training. It also houses an Operations and Control Centre that handles emergency situations and coordinates with emergency services. Designed to accommodate 30 trains, each with eight cars, the depot is a key component of the project, which has a construction cost of ₹328 crores.

At any given time, up to 20 trains will be in service, with some positioned at terminal stations like Cuffe Parade and Bandra Kurla Complex, ready for morning operations. With 19 trains in possession, the metro agency is equipped to run over 260 services daily.