**Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) Set to Become Fully Operational by September 30**
After years of controversy, delays, and rising costs, Mumbai’s first underground metro, Line 3—also known as the Aqua Line—is finally set to become fully operational by September 30, just on the eve of Navratri. This new metro line promises to significantly enhance connectivity across the city.
**Connecting Key Business and Transport Hubs**
The Aqua Line will link six major business districts, 30 employment hubs, 12 educational institutions, 11 major hospitals, 10 transport hubs, and both Mumbai airports. It will also provide long-awaited connectivity to prominent locations such as Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Nariman Point, and Cuffe Parade.
—
### MMRC Banks on Full Stretch for Higher Ridership
Currently, only a 22 km stretch between Aarey JVLR and Worli’s Acharya Atre Chowk is operational, attracting a modest ridership of about 50,000 passengers on weekdays. Weekend ridership rises to around 70,000, partly thanks to the route’s proximity to the popular Siddhivinayak Temple.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), the implementing authority for the project, expects ridership to increase sharply once the line is extended up to Cuffe Parade. However, transport experts remain cautious about the projected boom in user numbers.
Vivek Pai, a transport expert and regular commuter to south Mumbai offices, expressed reservations about a significant ridership surge. He explained, “While the metro will be convenient for residents of areas like Andheri, many working in south Mumbai live in extended suburbs such as Kandivali, Borivali, Thane, or Kalyan, where accessing the underground metro is less practical.” He also highlighted concerns over affordability, noting that Metro 3’s daily fare could be around Rs 150-200 (return), compared to roughly Rs 10 for a second-class local train.
—
### Cuffe Parade Link to Boost Connectivity
Transport analyst AV Shenoy believes that the completion of the remaining stretch will have a substantial impact. The extension connects commercial hubs such as Cuffe Parade, Kalbadevi, and Nariman Point, and integrates major railway stations including Mumbai Central, Grant Road, CSMT, Churchgate, and Mahalaxmi.
“Last-mile connectivity will not be a problem,” Shenoy said, “but affordability might deter some commuters, as a trip to Mahim may cost Rs 30-40 compared to Rs 10 on a local train. Full operations will likely increase ridership, but not dramatically.”
Green activist Zoru Bathena expressed more scepticism, stating, “Suburban trains between Dadar and Churchgate are no longer jampacked as before due to offices shifting to suburbs. This line will mostly serve AC train commuters, first-class passengers, or car owners. South Mumbai already has multiple transportation options, and Metro 3 will simply add to them.”
—
### MMRC’s Expectations and Operational Challenges
MMRC Managing Director Ashwini Bhide has reiterated that 85% of Metro 3 riders will be shifting from road travel, helping to reduce congestion. The line is projected to initially decrease 4.5 lakh daily vehicle trips, potentially rising to 6.5 lakh trips as usage grows.
As the MMRC races to complete station work ahead of the September 30 launch, some stations—namely Girgaon, Kalbadevi, and Grant Road—have posed significant challenges. The alignment through these areas tested engineering endurance due to severe space constraints.
—
### Innovative Construction Techniques: The Keyhole Surgery Approach
Construction work in space-constrained and sensitive areas utilized intricate methodologies akin to keyhole surgery, minimizing surface disruption.
– **Kalbadevi Station:** Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) were used to create the tracks.
– The central station tunnel and cross connections with platforms utilized the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).
Despite obstacles such as sensitive structures and old buildings in Kalbadevi and Girgaon, tunneling operations were successful. Extensive design considerations and precautions ensured the safety and stability of these heritage structures throughout construction.
—
For more details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-metro-line-3-promises-faster-commutes-with-full-stretch-till-cuffe-parade-but-experts-question-fares
