Mumbai's First Underground Metro Corridor To Commence Operations On 24 July

Mumbai's eagerly anticipated first underground metro line, the 'Aqua Line' (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ), is set to begin operations on July 24, promising to significantly ease the daily commute for the city's residents.

The announcement was made by BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde on social media, where he emphasised the transformative benefits of the 33.5 km route from Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), reports Times Of India.

Mumbai Metro 3 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.

It stands as a crucial artery, catering primarily to commuters from south Mumbai, as all other corridors currently under construction are situated in the suburbs and other areas within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

In a first for India, the Metro 3 features an eight-car train with a 75 per cent motor for enhanced operational efficiency and movement. This contrasts with other metro lines, which typically utilise 50 per cent motors.

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.

While the first phase of the Aqua Line launches this month, the entire project, including the second tunnel phase, is expected to be completed within the next eight months.