Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk section of Mumbai Metro Line 3 will begin operations from May 10, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the city's Metro expansion. On Friday, Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, rode a Metro train through the underground corridor from BKC to Siddhivinayak Temple, ahead of the official launch.
Metro Line 3: Phase 2A Operational from May 10
The Phase 2A stretch of Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, spans 9.77 km and includes six stations: Dharavi, Shitaladevi, Dadar West, Siddhivinayak, Worli, and Acharya Atre Chowk. The BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk section is the second phase of Metro Line 3 and will be open to the public from Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Final Phase to Open in August
The final phase of the Metro Line, connecting Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, is expected to open in August 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be invited for the inaugural event. Once completed, the full Metro stretch, spanning 33 km, will provide seamless connectivity between key business districts like BKC, Worli, Lower Parel, and Prabhadevi.
Engineering Marvel
This underground Metro corridor is India's longest underground Metro route, passing beneath the Mithi River and densely populated areas like Girgaon. The project is an engineering marvel, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure with multiple entry and exit points to reduce congestion.
Improved Connectivity and Fare Details
With the completion of Phase 2A, Metro Line 3 will provide improved access to important destinations like Siddhivinayak Temple, Shitaladevi Temple, and Mahim Dargah. Travel between BKC and Acharya Atre Chowk will take 15-20 minutes, with a fare range of 10 to 40. The travel time between JVRL Aarey and Acharya Atre Chowk will be 36 minutes, with a fare of 60.
Long-Term Benefits
Metro 3 is expected to remove around five lakh vehicles from the roads, leading to fuel savings and reduced travel time. Once fully operational, passengers will be able to travel the entire 33 km stretch within an hour. Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) plans to run 244 services on the corridor with eight Metro trains, ensuring efficient service.
Additionally, a common mobility card for all modes of transport, including Metro, monorail, and buses, is being trialed, with the goal of a commercial rollout soon. The collaboration with Google will also enable passengers to track the location of BEST buses in real-time, enhancing the convenience of city travel.