With the inauguration of the phase one of the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3, all eyes are now on the second phase which will connect the suburbs to South Mumbai.
The first phase of the aqua line, from Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), was thrown open to public on Monday. According to reports, phase two – BKC to Cuffe Parade – is nearing completion and is expected to be fully functional by March 2025.
As Mumbai’s first entirely underground Metro line, the project is a monumental engineering achievement. Once operational, it will significantly transform the city’s public transportation system, easing traffic congestion and cutting down travel time across the metropolitan region.
🚇 Mumbai Metro 3 is off to a fantastic start! Mumbaikars are loving it, with long queues at stations showcasing the excitement. Here’s to smoother, faster commutes for everyone! 🌆 #MumbaiMetro3 #PublicTransport #MumbaiLife 🚀🛤️ pic.twitter.com/TGo4cB5nqy
— MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) October 7, 2024
87% WORK COMPLETED
Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), said, “Phase II from BKC to Cuffe Parade is expected to start in March 2025. The second phase will have 17 stations. The overall progress of phase II is 87%. The major challenges faced while construction of this phase include tunnelling in complicated geology and below old, dilapidated buildings around congested neighbourhood and in close vicinity of heritage buildings. Also, certain limits for vibrations had to be maintained and continuously monitored while tunnelling to ensure the safety of such buildings. Our team has successfully addressed complex tunnelling challenges, prioritising heritage building safety and vibration control through advanced technology and expert collaboration.”
By September 2024, the project has reached 87% completion. One of the major milestones achieved was the successful completion of tunnelling work with 42 breakthroughs, marking significant progress. These breakthroughs were crucial to ensure that the project stayed on track for its 2025 opening. Along with tunnelling, other civil works for the Metro are nearing completion, with 99.5% of the infrastructure in place. Station construction has also progressed, with 98.2% of the work done. Track installation, which is essential for operational readiness, is underway and is expected to be finalised shortly.