Mumbai Metro Line 3 - Aqua Line’s Last Phase Opens October 8 With 27 Stations

The much-anticipated final phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line or Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line, is slated for inauguration on October 8, 2025, marking the completion of the city's first fully underground metro corridor. This 33.5-kilometre route stretches from Cuffe Parade in the south to Aarey Colony JVLR in the north, encompassing 27 stations—26 underground and one at-grade at the northern terminus. Partially operational since October 2024, the line aims to revolutionise urban mobility by connecting key business districts, residential areas, airports, and historical landmarks, alleviating chronic traffic congestion in India's financial capital.

Funded in part by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at an estimated cost of Rs 37,276 crore, the project promises to reduce daily vehicle trips by 6.5 lakh and cut carbon emissions by 9.9 million kilograms annually. With modern features like platform screen doors, driverless trains, and seamless interchanges, it integrates with suburban railways, monorails, and other metro lines for enhanced connectivity.

The final southern extension, covering approximately 11 kilometres from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, adds 10 new stations, bringing the entire line to full operation. This phase will serve South Mumbai's bustling locales, including government offices, tourist spots, and commercial hubs. These stations facilitate easy access to attractions like Haji Ali Dargah, Mahalaxmi Temple, and Phoenix Palladium mall, while boosting north-south connectivity.

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Operationally, the line uses 31 eight-car Alstom Metropolis trains with a capacity of 3,000 passengers each, running on standard gauge tracks with 25 kV overhead electrification. While exact timings are yet to be finalised for the full route, current segments operate from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Fares are managed via an open-loop automated system accepting RuPay cards, with no check-in luggage allowed to maintain efficiency. The project, executed by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), has overcome delays from environmental protests, legal hurdles, and the COVID-19 pandemic, including controversies over tree felling in Aarey Colony.

Phased openings began with the northern 12.44 km from Aarey JVLR to BKC in October 2024, followed by extensions to Acharya Atre Chowk in May 2025. The October 8 launch, expected to be flagged off by dignitaries, will integrate Mumbai's transport network, supporting economic growth in areas like BKC and Andheri. Future plans include a 2.5 km extension to Navy Nagar. As Mumbai grapples with over 20 million residents and snarled roads, Line 3 stands as a pivotal infrastructure upgrade, promising faster commutes and sustainable urban development.

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