A delegation from Japan's House of Councillors, the upper house of the country's national legislature, visited the BKC station of Mumbai Metro's Line-3 and took a ride to Marol Naka station. The visit comes in light of Japan's substantial contribution, funding approximately 57 percent of the 33.5 km-long underground Aqua Line.
The delegation, led by Kazuhiko AOKI, was welcomed by S K Gupta, director (projects), R Ramana, director (planning), and Rajeev, director (systems) of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC). According to a release, the Japanese lawmakers were given a briefing on the project's progress, construction challenges, and its potential to revolutionize Mumbais public transport by connecting previously unconnected areas of the city and alleviating transportation problems.
During the visit, the delegation members traveled by metro from BKC to Marol Naka station. They reportedly commended the effective use of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided by Japan, noting that Metro Line-3 would enhance mobility, improve access to slum areas, and transform commuting for Mumbai residents. The Japanese governments ODA was offered through a JICA loan amounting to Rs 21,280 crore, covering 57.09 percent of the project cost.
The MMRC stated that the project is nearing completion of its Phase-I, which stretches from Aarey to BKC. The underground line spans 27 stations from Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade and passes through key city locations, including BKC, Airport Terminal-1 and Terminal-2, Worli, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, CSMT, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, and Vidhan Bhavan.
