Mumbai : Mumbai’s much-awaited first underground metro service, the Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), opened for public use on Monday, offering a crucial new connection from the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey Colony. The metro line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transit network.
The 33.5 km-long Colaba-Bandra-Seepz line, of which a 12.44 km stretch has been opened initially, features 10 stations, including Aarey, Marol Naka, and BKC. Nine of these stations are underground, while Aarey is the only ground-level station in this phase. Once fully operational by June 2025, the line is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Mumbai, reducing vehicular trips by around 6.5 lakh daily.
Metro Line 3 will operate 96 trips daily, with trains running at a maximum speed of 85 km/h and an average speed of 35 km/h. The service will be available from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays, and from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekends. Ticket fares range from ₹10 to ₹50, and commuters can buy tickets via an app or at physical counters. By next month, the National Common Mobility Card will be valid across all metro lines in the city.
Developed at a cost of ₹32,000 crore, this metro line is set to bring substantial relief to Mumbai’s overcrowded roads and improve the daily commute for residents.