Mumbai is set to witness the partial launch of its first-ever underground Metro, Line 3, with the initial phase expected to begin operations in the first week of October 2024. According to officials from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL), the 12.44 km stretch between Aarey Depot and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) will be opened for public use after receiving the necessary approvals.
Project Phases and Costs
Mumbai Metro Line 3 is being developed in two phases. The first phase connects Aarey Depot to BKC, spanning 12.44 km, while the second phase will extend from BKC to Colaba, covering an additional 21.06 km. The total cost of the project has escalated to Rs 37,276 crore, a significant increase from the Rs 23,000 crore estimate outlined in the 2011 detailed project report.
Full Operations Expected by 2025
The second phase, extending from BKC to Colaba, is projected to be completed between March and May 2025. Once the entire stretch is fully operational, it is expected to reduce travel time to just 60 minutes and accommodate a daily ridership of 1.3 million passengers.
Metro Line 3: Part of Mumbai’s Ongoing Infrastructure Boom
The upcoming inauguration of this underground Metro will join a series of recent major infrastructure projects in Mumbai. These include the Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2024, and the Coastal Road, partially opened in March. These developments are crucial as Mumbai prepares for upcoming elections, with infrastructure projects often playing a pivotal role in campaign promises.
Ticket Pricing and Revenue Generation
For the initial phase, ticket prices have been set between Rs 10 and Rs 50, with the full-stretch fares expected to rise to Rs 70 once the entire line is operational. Mumbai Metro Line 3 will also offer 150,000 square feet of commercial space across various stations, aiming to generate additional non-fare revenue.
MMRCL’s focus on integrating commercial spaces within the Metro network highlights the project’s role not just in improving urban mobility, but also in contributing to the city’s economic growth.
