Easing airport travel, Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 3 expected to be active by April end

The much-anticipated inauguration of the first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) is poised to bring relief to commuters, travelling to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). Stretching 12 kilometres from Aarey to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Phase 1 is set to be operational by the end of April 2024.

This phase not only facilitates easy access to Mumbai Airport's domestic and international terminals but also integrates with Metro 1 at Marol, promising reduced travel times. Journeys from Cuffe Parade to Aarey are anticipated to be halved, from nearly two hours by road to just one hour.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) initiated integrated trial runs of Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) for Phase 1 on March 12. Passenger services await approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for commencement.

Once fully operational, Metro Line 3 aims to serve a colossal 17 lakh passengers daily, running trains at a frequency of three to four minutes, accommodating about 2,500 passengers per trip. As Mumbai's only fully underground metro, its completion promises to significantly enhance the city's transportation network.

Beyond enhancing commute, Metro Line 3 will crucially connect six major business and employment hubs, including Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. Additionally, it will provide access to educational institutions, hospitals, religious sites, and recreational facilities, extending connectivity to currently underserved areas like Kalbadevi, Girgaon, and Worli.

Moreover, the integration of this metro line with other transport systems aims to reduce suburban rail congestion by 15%, offering commuters efficient and reliable travel options citywide.

Additionally, the completion of civil works for the 15.31-kilometer Mumbai Metro Pink Line 6, linking Swami Samarth Nagar in Lokhandwala to Vikhroli, is expected by October 2024. However, delays in acquiring trains and constructing a planned car shed at Kanjurmarg have pushed the public launch to 2026. The car shed's delay is due to the need for additional land, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) actively seeking seven extra hectares. MMRDA is responsible for procuring 108 standard gauge cars (18 rakes with 6 coaches each) for the Pink Line.