Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently took a ride on Mumbai’s newest metro line, inaugurating the BKC to Aarey stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3. During his ride to the Santacruz station and back, he engaged in conversations with various individuals, including students, beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, and laborers working on the construction of the underground line.
Accompanied by several prominent figures such as Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishanan, Union Minister Manohar Lal, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, PM Modi also launched the MetroConnect3 app. This app is designed to enhance the travel experience for commuters using the metro line. Additionally, a coffee table book featuring stunning photos of the underground metro journey was unveiled during the event.
The BKC to Aarey stretch spans 12.69 kilometers and is part of the larger 33.5-kilometer Colaba-Seepz-Aarey Metro Line 3. This stretch, inaugurated by the PM, includes 10 metro stations, providing connectivity to key locations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport terminals and the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1.
Once fully operational, the Line 3 metro is expected to cater to around 13 lakh passengers daily, with a train frequency of approximately 3-4 minutes. Each rake of eight coaches is projected to carry about 2500 passengers. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has planned 96 daily services between Aarey and BKC, operating from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, with the first service on Sundays starting at 8:30 am.
The fare on the line will range from ₹10 to ₹50, with an operational speed of 85 kilometers per hour and an average running speed of 35 kmph. The MMRC estimates that the first phase of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 will significantly reduce vehicular trips by 6.5 lakh and decrease traffic on roads by 35 percent, saving nearly 3.54 lakh liters of fuel.
MMRC managing director Ashwani Bhide mentioned that 93 percent of the work on the corridor is already complete, with the entire line expected to be commissioned between Colaba and Aarey by March or May 2025. The new metro line is set to bring about a positive impact on transportation and commuting in Mumbai, benefiting residents and travelers alike.
