The laying of tracks for both the up and down lines of the BKC-Cuffe Parade section of the Metro 3 project has been completed. This 21km-long section, which constitutes Phase II of the project, is on schedule for commissioning before the next monsoon, according to an official from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC).

Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly at Acharya Atre Chowk, where on-going utility work has caused delays. Phase I of the project, a 12.5 km corridor between Aarey and BKC, was inaugurated on October 5 and opened to commuters on October 7, with an average daily ridership of 22,000.

MMRC announced on X (formerly Twitter) that 100 per cent of track laying had been completed, describing it as a significant milestone toward the project's full commissioning. Phase II has achieved an overall progress rate of 88 per cent, with 99 per cent of station and tunnel construction and 97.6 per cent of station construction completed. Systems work and the overhead catenary system (OCS) installation are nearing 60 per cent completion.

The construction of underground stations at Kalbadevi and Girgaum remains one of the most challenging aspects of the project. These densely populated areas, characterized by heritage structures, narrow roads, and old buildings, have faced significant disruption. A total of 423 residential units and 289 commercial blocks have been affected, along with approximately 20 land parcels and 30 buildings spread across six non-contiguous blocks.

Once completed, Metro 3 will offer interchanges with the suburban train network at Churchgate, CSMT, Mumbai Central, and Mahalaxmi stations. It will also run close to major railway stations such as Charni Road, Grant Road, and Dadar.