The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL) is preparing to launch Phase 1 of Metro 3, the Aqua Line, with operations expected to begin on July 1, according to a report by the Times of India.
At present, 99.5 percent of the construction work at the Aarey Depot is complete. Trains on this line will run between Aarey and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). MMRCL has already started integrated trial runs and will soon invite the Research, Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) to review key aspects of the trials and commissioning.
Reports indicate that some minor finishing work, trials, and tests are still pending. Although the depot is nearly finished, the main operations and control room may not be ready by July 1. Therefore, a backup operations and control room has been established at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to manage train operations.
The Aarey Depot covers 30 hectares, with 25 hectares allocated to the station and depot and 5 hectares reserved for other purposes. It includes extensive facilities for maintenance, operations, administration, and training.
The depot features an Operations and Control Centre, which handles emergencies and coordinates with emergency services. Designed to accommodate 30 trains, each with eight cars, the depot is a vital part of the project. The entire development has been completed at a cost of Rs 328 crore.
At any given time, up to 20 trains will be in service, with some positioned at terminal stations like Cuffe Parade and Bandra Kurla Complex, ready for morning operations. With 19 trains in its possession, the metro agency is prepared to run over 260 services daily.
Every depot is a crucial part of any metro project. Previously, construction work at the depot was delayed by three years due to legal disputes. The Aarey Depot serves as the central control hub for Metro 3.