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(Representational Photo: Metro Rail Today)
The Aqua Line, which will run from Aarey Colony to the bustling Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), is awaiting safety clearance for its grand opening.
The highly anticipated first phase of the Mumbai Metro 3 line, also known as the Aqua Line, is set to open today.
Ashwini Bhide, managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), shared this exciting news during a press conference on September 24.
According to the Mint, the Aqua Line will stretch 12.5 kilometers, connecting Aarey Colony to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). Bhide mentioned that the line will be commissioned soon, pending safety clearance.
#AquaLine is all set for operations of Phase-1 from Aarey JVLR to Bandra Kurla Complex covering a stretch of 12.69 kms. Here’s an overview of how #Mumbaikars can now enjoy a transit experience that not only saves time but also reduces carbon footprints and help in sustainable… pic.twitter.com/Ovru2qXtND— MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) October 4, 2024
This phase is part of a bigger project that covers a total distance of 33.5 kilometers, running from Colaba to Seepz via Aarey.
Key Highlights:
Stations: The Aarey-BKC route will feature 10 stations. It will also provide access to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and connect with Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka station.
Mumbai Metro Line 3 Aqua, India’s First Fully Underground line is now CMRS certified and ready for phase one operations between JVLR Depot till Bandra BKC E block station rest scheduled to open next year.Photographs are few days old from respective owners. pic.twitter.com/5j76Zdz0L1
— Haldilal (@haldilal) October 4, 2024
Services: Passengers can expect 96 daily services between Aarey and BKC, operating with eight trains from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. On Sundays, the first service will start at 8:30 AM.
Ticket Fare: Fares will be affordable, ranging from Rs 10 to a maximum of Rs 50 for the Aqua Line. Once the full Colaba-Seepz-Aarey line is operational, the maximum fare will be Rs 70.
Capacity: The first phase can accommodate 650,000 passengers daily.
Metro Staff: Bhide highlighted that the operation will feature 48 train captains, including 10 women. Many women will also be involved in the operation and maintenance of the line.
Train Speed: The Metro trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 85 km/h, with an average running speed of 35 km/h.
Mumbai’s first underground Metro Line 3, also known as aqua line.Constructing an underground line in a city like Mumbai is an enormous challenge. pic.twitter.com/iTak9r7Ucf
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) October 6, 2024
Bhide noted that while they are waiting for final approval for the rail line, the approval for the metro trains has already been granted. Currently, 93 percent of the construction work is complete, and the entire Aarey to Colaba line is expected to be operational by March or May 2025.
Official sources indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate the Aarey-BKC route in the first week of October, along with other infrastructure projects in Maharashtra, according to Mint.
