Mumbai Metro Line 3 ,Today marks a historic day for Mumbai as the long-awaited Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, opens to the public. The 12.69-kilometer stretch from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey Colony has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it’s expected to significantly enhance the city’s public transportation system. With 10 underground stations and a host of modern amenities, this line is set to bring about major changes in the daily commuting experience for Mumbaikars.
Let’s break down everything you need to know before hopping on the Aqua Line.
Stations on the Aqua Line
The BKC to Aarey stretch of Metro Line 3 includes 10 stations, each strategically located to serve key parts of the city:
- BKC
- Bandra Colony
- Santacruz
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1
- Sahar Road
- CSMIA T2
- Marol Naka
- Andheri
- SEEPZ
- Aarey Colony JVLR (the only ground-level station)
These stations are part of the larger 33.5-kilometer Colaba-SEEPZ-Aarey Metro Line 3, which has been a highly anticipated project for the city. With this new addition, commuters will enjoy direct connections to major business hubs, residential areas, and Mumbai’s international airport.
Timings and Train Frequency
Services will officially start today at 11 am, with the last train departing at 8:30 pm. Regular services will begin on October 8, operating from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays and from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm on Sundays. During peak hours, trains will run every 6.5 minutes, while non-peak hours will see trains running every 15-20 minutes.
In total, 96 round trips will be made daily between Aarey and BKC, and around 48 pilots, including 10 women, will be operating these trains. With an estimate daily ridership of 4 lakh passengers, this new line is expect to significantly reduce the city’s traffic congestion.
Fares and Ticketing
For many commuters, the Aqua Line will be an affordable option. The minimum fare starts at just ₹10, while the maximum fare is ₹50. Tickets can be purchase either at the physical counters locate at each station or through the new MetroConnect3 app, making it easier for travelers to plan their trips and avoid long queues.
Impact on Traffic and Fuel Savings
The Aqua Line isn’t just about convenience – it’s also about reducing the environmental impact of Mumbai’s massive vehicular traffic. This line is expect to reduce vehicular traffic by 35%, eliminating approximately 6.5 lakh vehicle trips per day. It’s also project to save nearly 3.54 lakh liters of fuel daily, which is a significant step towards a more eco-friendly Mumbai.
Connectivity and Future Expansion
One of the most exciting aspects of the Aqua Line is its connectivity. It links directly to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, making it a game-changer for air travelers. Additionally, it connects with the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka, further integrating the metro network.
The full potential of Metro Line 3 will be realize once the entire Colaba-Aarey stretch becomes operational. When fully complete, it is expect to handle around 13 lakh passengers daily,
with trains running every 3-4 minutes. The eight-coach trains will have a capacity of up to 2,500 passengers, traveling at speeds of up to 85 kilometers per hour, though the average operational speed will be around 35 kilometers per hour.
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Conclusion
The opening of Mumbai Metro Line 3’s Aqua Line marks a significant milestone for the city’s transportation landscape. It promises to ease the burden of daily commuting, reduce traffic congestion,
and lower environmental pollution, making life easier for millions of residents. With future expansions in sight,
this is just the beginning of a modern metro network that will reshape the way Mumbaikars travel. So, get ready for a smoother, faster, and more efficient commute!
