The first phase of Mumbai’s inaugural underground Metro, also known as the Aqua Line, connecting Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex, is expected to be commissioned soon, pending safety clearance, a senior official announced on Tuesday.

This 12.5 km segment is part of the larger 33.5 km Colaba-Seepz-Aarey Metro Line 3. At a press conference, Ashwini Bhide, managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), stated that the commissioning of Metro Line 3 is imminent, contingent upon clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).

Bhide noted that they have received one of the two necessary approvals for the project, specifically for the rolling stock (Metro trains), while the application for the rail line is still awaiting approval.

Sources indicate that the 12.5 km stretch from Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex is anticipated to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside other infrastructure projects in the state during the first week of October. Bhide confirmed that approximately 93% of the work on the corridor is complete, with the entire line from Colaba to Aarey expected to be operational by March or May 2025.

The Aarey-BKC stretch includes ten stations, providing essential connectivity to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, as well as the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka station.

Plans for the Metro service include 96 daily trips between Aarey and BKC, utilizing a fleet of eight trains running from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with the first service on Sundays beginning at 8:30 AM.

The fare structure will be Rs 10 for the minimum fare and Rs 50 for the maximum fare, with a potential maximum fare of Rs 70 once the entire Colaba-Seepz-Aarey corridor is operational. The Metro trains, designed with eight coaches, will operate at a maximum speed of 85 km/h, while the average running speed will be around 35 km/h.

The first phase of this corridor is expected to accommodate up to 650,000 passengers daily. Bhide also highlighted that there will be 48 train operators, including ten women, and that women will play significant roles in the operation and maintenance of the line once it is launched.

(With media inputs)