Mumbai Metro 3: Union Ministry Approves Name Changes For Stations, Phase 1 Operations To Begin Soon

In a move to make the Mumbai Metro more reflective of local landmarks and communities, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has announced the renaming of several stations on the Metro 3 (Aqua Line).

The decision was made in response to a request from the government of Maharashtra.

Key stations undergone name changes include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T1 (previously Domestic Airport), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T2 (formerly International Airport), and Jagannath Shankar Sheth Metro (formerly Mumbai Central Metro).

Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), which is overseeing the Metro 3 project, remarked, “These are minor changes to better reflect the actual locations. The Government of Maharashtra had already made similar changes for corresponding suburban rail stations. For instance, what was earlier known as the Domestic and International Airports are now referred to as CSMIA T1 and CSMIA T2,” reports Free Press Journal.

Bhide further explained the renaming of Bandra Metro Station to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) Metro Station, as it more accurately describes the station’s location within BKC, a key business district. Similarly, Mumbai Central station of the suburban railway, renamed Jagannath Shankar Sheth, led to the corresponding metro station adopting the same name.

The Metro 3 project is gearing up for a potential 4 October 2024, inauguration, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai. However, MMRCL emphasised that the commencement of operations for Phase 1 of the metro services, running between Aarey Colony-JVLR and Bandra Kurla Complex, hinges on final approvals from the government of India following the CMRS inspection. The rolling stock inspection has already been completed, and preparations for launching the services are in full swing.

Spanning 33.5 km along the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor, Metro 3 is an entirely underground metro line with 27 stations, of which 26 are underground, and one is at grade level.

Additionally, MMRCL is working on integrating the metro stations with other public transport systems to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity. This includes creating pedestrian-friendly pathways, foot over bridges, and seating arrangements at various station exits.