News Brief
Mumbai Metro Line 3 Fully Powered, Launch Of Worli–Colaba Stretch Awaits Trial Runs And Safety Clearance: Report
Underground tunnel for Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Ashwini Bhide/Twitter)
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has achieved a significant milestone by energising the entire 33.5 km stretch of the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ project, bringing the city’s first fully underground metro line closer to completion, The Free Press Journal reported.
The 25 kV traction system was reportedly activated on 23 July, allowing MMRC to commence trial runs on the Worli–Colaba Cuffe Parade section, the last leg awaiting clearance.
Though the final launch had initially been slated for August, operations may be pushed back owing to pending trial runs and mandatory safety certifications.
“Although the power supply is now functional across the route, the commissioning timeline may see a slight extension with a trial run yet to be completed along with obtaining clearance from CMRS certification,” sources were quoted as saying by FPJ.
The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is expected to conduct inspections shortly, following which a checklist of requirements will be issued.
Commercial operations can only begin once CMRS gives the approval.
Residents and nearby workers have been urged to stay clear of overhead systems.
The Metro 3 corridor, running from Colaba to Aarey, will feature 26 underground stations and one at-grade station.
Currently, a 22.5 km segment between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Aarey is operational, while the Acharya Atre Chowk–Cuffe Parade stretch is nearing completion.
Once inaugurated, Metro Line 3 is expected to cut down travel time dramatically between South Mumbai and the western suburbs, relieve pressure on overcrowded suburban trains, and offer seamless connectivity with key hubs such as Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
