Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Worli stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3 will commence operations within 100 days. This announcement came after a review meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Urban Development (UD), and Housing departments. 

CM Fadnavis directed officials to prepare a revised timeline for all metro projects under MMRDA, stressing the need to avoid delays. He set an ambitious goal of starting 50 km of new metro lines annually, beginning next year, with 23 km expected to be operational in 2025. The Metro-3 corridor alone will contribute an additional 20-25 km this year. 

The BKC-Worli stretch is part of the Aqua Line, which spans 10 stations from BKC to Aarey. Constructed at a cost of Rs 141.2 billion, this section features nine underground stations. The full 33.5-km Metro Line 3, extending from Navy Nagar in South Mumbai to Aarey Depot in the north, is projected to serve 1.3 million daily commuters and significantly reduce traffic congestion. 

Once operational, the Metro Line 3 corridor will integrate seamlessly with Mumbai’s transportation network, connecting the city centre to the suburbs and linking metro lines, monorail, suburban rail, inter-city rail, and Mumbai International Airport. 

Shinde also reviewed MMRDA’s pod taxi project, designed to ease commuter challenges in BKC and decongest the Eastern Express Highway. Discussions included the Thane-Borivli tunnel project and strategies for metro car shed alternatives, with CM Fadnavis emphasising the need to study global examples of metros operating without permanent sheds and reserving space for future infrastructure. 

Speaking at a business conclave in Thane, Shinde reiterated the state government’s dedication to positioning Mumbai as a fintech hub, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s urban transformation. 

(Swaragraj Magazine)