The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), overseeing the execution of the Metro 3 corridor, is gearing up to inaugurate Phase I of the Aarey-BKC stretch in the first week of October. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 12km stretch, which includes 10 stations.
“The line will open to the public the day after the inauguration. We are fully prepared for the inaugural run,” said a senior MMRCL official. According to sources, the inauguration is expected to take place between October 3 and 5, with October 4 being the most likely date.
Phase I connects the western suburbs, while Phase II will extend the service to central Mumbai and the island city. Once both phases are operational, the almost-33km corridor will connect Mumbai’s southern, central, and western regions.
Transport experts believe Phase I, despite being just 12km long, will significantly impact travel patterns. “The BKC-Aarey stretch, with its 10 stations, covers high-traffic areas. Commuters from BKC can reach Santacruz Metro station and walk to the suburban railway. Likewise, passengers can take the Metro to Marol and connect to Ghatkopar via Central Railway. Metro 3 also provides direct access to both domestic and international airports,” said a transport expert.
Originally, MMRCL targeted 2021 for completion, but delays pushed the deadline first to December 2023 and later to June 2024. Officials cited setbacks at the Aarey depot, due to tree-cutting permission issues, and slow station construction by a contractor, who faced penalties.
In addition to the Metro 3 inauguration, Prime Minister Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Thane Ring Metro, recently approved by the Union cabinet.
Set to be operational by 2029, the 29km project with 22 stations aims to improve connectivity between Mumbai, Kalyan, and Thane by reducing commuting times with an elevated route. The PM is also expected to inaugurate several other infrastructure projects during the event.
