Mumbai’s first fully underground metro line, Mumbai Metro Line 3, has moved closer to becoming fully operational as the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) initiated the inspection of the last section of the Aqua Line, spanning from Worli to Cuffe Parade, on 12 September.

Once this section receives safety clearance from CMRS, the entire Mumbai Metro Line 3 will be opened for passengers. According to officials, the inspection report is expected to be finalised by next week, after which the commission will conduct a final verification. Once the remaining 10.99 km stretch is approved, passenger services across the entire 33.5 km Colaba–Aarey corridor can commence.

Before the next CMRS visit, all observations and recommendations from the current inspection will be addressed as required by the process.

At present, metro trains on Line 3 are operating on a 22.46 km stretch between Aarey and Acharya Atre Chowk. The upcoming segment will add 11 stations and extend the corridor further south, providing connections between major business districts and enhancing connectivity between Colaba, Worli, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), and Aarey in the western suburbs.

The opening of Mumbai Metro Line 3 is expected to ease pressure on the existing transport network, especially the Mumbai Suburban Railway, often referred to as the city’s lifeline. It will also help reduce road traffic congestion.