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.

The MMRC, the project implementing authority of the 33.5 km long Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, made the announcement on X on Tuesday (12 March).

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.

The trial run was expected to begin in mid-February but was delayed due to incomplete work of the shunting neck, which will connect the Aarey depot to the main line. The 33-acre car shed at Aarey, serve as the base for maintaining metro coaches for Mumbai Metro Line 3.

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.

The first phase, connecting Aarey to BKC, is expected to commence operation in May, with the entire corridor till Cuffe Parade likely to open by September 2024.