Aarey JVLR station at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey on the underground section of Mumbai Metro Line 3. (PTI)
With the launch of the first phase of the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3, all eyes are now on the second phase which will connect the cities to South Mumbai.
The first phase of the aqua line, from Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), was opened to the public on Monday. According to reports, the second phase – BKC to Cuffe Parade – is nearing completion and is expected to be fully operational by March 2025.
READ ALSO | Mumbai Metro-3 Runs With ‘Made in India’ Coaches: Driverless System Video Chat, Features Checkout
As Mumbai’s first underground Metro line, this project is a major engineering achievement. Once operational, it will significantly transform the city’s public transport system, reducing traffic congestion and reducing travel time across the city.
87% WORK COMPLETED
Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), said, “Phase II from BKC to Cuffe Parade is expected to start by March 2025. The second phase will have 17 stations. The overall development of phase II is 87%. The major challenges faced while building this section include the tunnel in the complex topography and the old, damaged basement buildings in the congested area and close to the heritage buildings. Also, certain vibration limits had to be maintained and continuously monitored during the tunnel to ensure the safety of those structures. Our team successfully tackled the tunnel’s complex challenges, prioritizing the safety of valuable structures and vibration control through advanced technology and professional collaboration.”
By September 2024, the project has reached 87% completion. One of the major milestones achieved was the successful completion of the 42 tunnel project, marking significant progress. This achievement was important to ensure the project remains on track for its 2025 opening. Along with the construction of pipelines, other public works of the Metro are about to be completed, as the infrastructure is 99.5% in place. The construction of the station has also continued, with 98.2% of the work completed. Track installation, which is essential for operational readiness, is underway and is expected to be completed soon.
CHALLENGES
Metro-3 has seen many hurdles, given the difficulty of construction in a densely populated area like South Mumbai. One of the biggest challenges was working in very congested areas where space is limited and traffic flow is constant. The Metro system runs under some of the city’s busiest roads, as well as in areas close to historic buildings, existing rivers, railway lines and even under the Mithi River. These conditions required complex planning to prevent disruptions and ensure the safety of the public and construction workers.
In addition to the difficulty of the location, the project faced major logistical challenges in terms of transporting heavy machinery and materials. Limited space in urban areas makes it difficult to transport and store building materials without disrupting the normal flow of daily life.
The location of the city also added complexity, as the tunneling process took place near the coast, requiring engineers to deal with a high groundwater table.
Mumbai’s rocky geology made drilling and tunneling difficult. The construction faced environmental and regulatory challenges, particularly in terms of local Coastal Management regulations and obtaining forestland permits. In addition, the rehabilitation of the population affected by the land grab has additional challenges, which need to be carefully coordinated to minimize disruption.
LIBERATION OF MUMBAIITES
Once fully operational, the entire Metro-3 line will cover a distance of 33.5 km, connecting key areas of Mumbai at 27 stations, of which 26 will be underground. Trains are expected to run at intervals of 4 minutes and 24 seconds during peak hours, ensuring that the Metro system provides a fast and efficient mode of transportation for Mumbai’s busy population.
READ ALSO | Mumbai Metro-3 Opens Today: Know the Stations, Timings and Costs of the City’s First Underground Metro
It will significantly improve connectivity to major commercial areas such as Nariman Point, Bandra-Kurla Complex and SEEPZ, making it easier for commuters to cross the city.
The Metro is expected to serve an estimated 1.3 million passengers daily, providing a much-needed alternative to the city’s congested roads and suburban rail network. The introduction of this Metro line is expected to reduce traffic on the road by 35%, reduce congestion and reduce travel time for public transport users and drivers.