Mumbai Metro 3 Phase 1 to be opened next month: Here are the route, start date, stations and other details

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) is set to inaugurate the city's first underground metro line Phase I of the Metro 3 corridor, covering the Aarey-Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) stretch, in the first week of October. The project, which has cost approximately RS 38,000 crore, aims to facilitate easier long-distance travel for commuters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the 12km stretch, which includes 10 stations.

Mumbai Metro 3: Inauguration Date and Operational Readiness

"The line will open to the public the day after the inauguration. We are fully prepared for the inaugural run," said a senior MMRCL official. Sources indicate that the inauguration is expected between October 3 and 5, with October 4 being the most likely date.

Mumbai Metro 3 Phase I: Connecting Key Suburbs

Phase I of the Metro 3 project connects the western suburbs, while the forthcoming Phase II will extend the service to central Mumbai and the island city. Upon full completion, the 33km corridor will connect Mumbai's southern, central, and western regions, enhancing overall urban mobility.

Mumbai Metro 3 Phase I Stations

The new metro line will operate between Colaba and SEEPZ, covering the journey in about one hour.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 will cover 33.5 kilometers, with 12.5 kilometers ready for operation initially.
The first phase is planned to be operational next month, and the second phase could start by 2025.
The line will connect strategic locations like Nariman Point, Fort, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), SEEPZ, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate, Dadar, and MIDC.

MMRCL anticipates that both phases of the project will serve approximately 1.7 million commuters daily. Trains are expected to have a frequency of 3 to 4 minutes, and each train can accommodate at least 2,500 passengers.

The stations for Mumbai Metro Line 3 include:
- Aarey Colony
- SEEPZ
- MIDC
- Marol Naka
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Terminal 2
- Sahar Road
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Terminal 1
- Santacruz
- Vidyanagari
- BKC

Mumbai Metro 3: Project Delays and Challenges

The Metro 3 project faced several delays, with the initial target set for 2021. Deadlines were later extended to December 2023 and subsequently to June 2024. Officials attributed these setbacks to challenges at the Aarey depot, including tree-cutting permission issues and slow station construction by a contractor who faced penalties.