Mumbai Metro 3: MMRC Unveils Multi-Modal Integration To Provide Seamless Connectivity For Aqua Line Passengers

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is streamlining the commuting experience for Aqua Line (Metro-3) passengers by implementing Multi-Modal Integration (MMI) projects in collaboration with key stakeholders.

This initiative, aimed at ensuring seamless connectivity and passenger convenience, involves coordinated efforts with the Traffic Police,  Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL).

The Aqua Line's Phase-1, became operational for the public on 7 October connecting Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey.

In an official statement issued on Sunday (13 October), MMRC announced the near completion of road restoration around most underground stations, except for the BKC area, where ongoing work at the Income Tax junction is expected to finish within six weeks.

MMRC has already completed significant passenger interchange improvements, including the installation of a new staircase linking Metro Line 1's nearest exit to the Marol Naka concourse of the Aqua Line. Additionally, underground pedestrian crossings have been constructed beneath major roads such as SEEPZ, Sahar Road, Santacruz (WEH), and Bandra Colony.

Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of MMRC, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to enhancing commuter convenience. "Our focus on providing safe and convenient interchange between feeder services and Metro stations will significantly benefit passengers," she stated, reports Free Press Journal.

Commuters at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1 and T2 stations will also benefit from new covered pedestrian canopies. In another convenience upgrade, Santacruz Metro Station is now directly connected to the Santacruz (WR) suburban station via an existing 800-meter skywalk.

Footpath restoration and improvement works are in progress at all stations, although recent rains have caused some delays. All ten Aqua Line stations are being equipped with lifts and escalators at entry and exit points to enhance accessibility.

To further boost connectivity, a feeder bus service for airport passengers at T2 will begin on 15 October. MMRC is also reviewing current bus routes and plans to introduce new routes and stops by 15 November. Additionally, queue shelters will be installed at all stations to improve passenger comfort.

By 15 November, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for cars and buses are expected to be operational, supporting eco-friendly transit options. A pedestrian bridge connecting Bandra Colony station to the Kalina campus is slated for completion within six months. Meanwhile, full road restoration, including a signalised junction at the BKC station, is scheduled to be completed by 1 December 2024.

The newly opened corridor between BKC and Aarey has 10 Metro stations: BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz Metro, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1, Sahar Road, CSMIA T2, Marol Naka, Andheri, SEEPZ, and Aarey Colony JVLR. While all the stations along this route are underground, Aarey JVLR station is the only one at grade level.

The Aqua Line is the fourth Metro corridor in Mumbai, adding to the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line-1, Andheri West-Dahisar Line-2A, and Andheri East-Dahisar Line-7, which are already operational.

Once Phase II is operational, the Metro 3 corridor will connect southern, central, and western Mumbai, significantly enhancing the city’s transit infrastructure.