Mumbai: Mumbai’s eagerly awaited underground Metro Line 3, also known as the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line or Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line, is scheduled to commence operations from July 24, as confirmed by Bharatiya Janata Party’s general secretary Vinod Tawde in a recent announcement.
The Metro Line 3 spans 33.5 kilometers underground, connecting South Mumbai to the city’s western suburbs, and is anticipated to alleviate the burden on the city’s suburban railway network.
“Mumbai’s first underground metro (Aqua Line) is starting from July 24, which will give new impetus to the speed of the city,” Tawde stated in his social media post, highlighting the transformative impact the project is expected to have on Mumbai’s transportation landscape.
The announcement follows the successful completion of rolling stock trials by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) last month, marking a significant milestone towards the operational readiness of Mumbai Metro Line 3.
Tawde also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Mumbaikars, emphasizing that the Metro Line 3 project aligns with these objectives and is set to fulfill the promise of improved urban mobility.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), a joint venture between the Union government and the Maharashtra government, has spearheaded the ambitious Metro Line 3 project. However, efforts to reach Ashwini Bhide, MMRCL’s managing director, for comment were unsuccessful, and a spokesperson for the MMRCL did not respond to inquiries.
Funded primarily by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Metro Line 3 project has received significant financial backing, with a total project cost revised to Rs 37,276 crore as approved earlier this year by the Union government. This includes a substantial JICA loan amounting to Rs 21,280 crore.
The imminent launch of Metro Line 3 is expected to usher in a new era of efficient and sustainable urban transportation in Mumbai, enhancing connectivity, reducing travel time, and easing congestion on existing transport networks.
In conclusion, the upcoming commencement of Mumbai Metro Line 3 underscores a landmark achievement in the city’s infrastructure development efforts. With its promise of enhanced mobility and improved commuter experience, the Metro Line 3 is poised to redefine Mumbai’s public transport landscape for generations to come.
