Mumbai Metro Line 3's Aarey-BKC Stretch Nears Opening With Launch Of Integrated Trial Run

In a major step towards opening of the first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3, connecting Aarey and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has commenced integrated trial runs on the stretch.

Integrated trials focus on ensuring the smooth operation of trains by validating their compatibility with signaling, telecommunication, track infrastructure, and traction systems.

Upon successful completion of integration trials, individual systems will be submitted to the independent safety assessor (ISA) for certification.

After obtaining the relevant certifications, the corporation will approach the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for the necessary statutory permissions required to commence passenger services. Upon receiving CMRS sanction, the section will be opened for passenger services.

First Underground Corridor

The 33.5-km long Metro-3 running along Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ is the first underground metro corridor of Mumbai.

It will connect the Cuffe Parade business district in the extreme south of the city to SEEPZ in the north-central area with 26 underground and one at-grade station.

With an estimated project cost of Rs 33,000 crore, the project has received funding from several entities, including Japan's technical and lending agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency.