After six and a half years of construction, Mumbai's Cuffe Parade-BKC-Seepz Metro 3 corridor (Aqua Line) is finally nearing its operational phase. Metro authorities have planned a trial run to Siddhivinayak or Dadar Station, marking a milestone. Infrastructure tasks, including overhead electrification and track-laying up to Dadar, are complete. These trials will provide insights for official runs to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli.

The phased approach adopted by MMRCL involves opening the corridor in three stages: Phase I covering Seepz-BKC, Phase II extending to Worli and the final phase reaching Cuffe Parade. Despite ongoing work, the train will progressively cover more stations as part of its advancement. Phase I of the Metro 3 line is expected to be operational by June-July now, after missing several deadlines.

Currently, loaded trials on rakes are underway, simulating passenger loads with gunny bags filled with debris during train motion between BKC and Aarey. MMRCL possesses 19 rakes, enabling over 260 services in Phase I operations between BKC and Aarey. Safety certifications and approvals from relevant authorities, including the Independent Safety Assessor and the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, are prerequisites before commencing commercial operations.

Earlied slated to be functional by May end, the project with a hefty price tag of ₹37,000 Cr, will now be ready for for Phase I by June-July. Subsequently, Phase II, covering BKC to Cuffe Parade, is scheduled for operations by October.

Phase I consists of 8 stations, from Seepz to BKC while Phase II includes 6 stations, from Dharavi to Worli. Phase III will have 11 stations between Worli & Cuffe Parade.