PM Modi to inaugurate last segment of Metro 3 in August: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis-OxBig News Network

People take ride in a metro train after inauguration of the BKC-Worli stretch of the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line-3, in Mumbai, Friday, May 9, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday (May 9, 2025) inaugurated Phase 2A of the underground Mumbai Metro Line 3, connecting the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Acharya Atre Chowk, and announced that the final segment of the corridor will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August.

Describing Metro Line 3 as an “engineering marvel,” Mr. Fadnavis said the project overcame significant geological and logistical challenges during its execution. “We came from under the Mithi River and have built metro stations in congested areas like Girgaon. Only two stations remain, and once completed, Line 3 will be fully operational,” he said.

Following the inauguration, Mr. Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde undertook a ride on the newly completed stretch. The 9.77-km segment, comprising six stations, received safety clearance earlier this week from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety. It will be opened to the public from Saturday.

The Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor (Metro Line 3) is the first fully underground metro project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The first phase, linking Aarey to BKC, became operational in October 2024. The final stretch, from Acharya Atre Chowk to Colaba (Phase 2B), spans 10.99 km and includes 11 stations, ultimately connecting Cuffe Parade to the city’s central business districts.

“Since 2022, we have accelerated the execution of all metro lines. By next year, 50 km of new lines will be added, followed by another 50 km the year after, significantly enhancing public transport in the MMR,” Mr. Fadnavis said.

According to Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL), the fully operational Line 3 is expected to serve approximately 13 lakh passengers daily, with each eight-coach train accommodating up to 2,500 commuters. Since its launch, the Aarey-BKC stretch has recorded a cumulative ridership of over 41.6 lakh, with a daily average of 20,030 passengers.

Seamless connectivity amid urban challenges

The newly inaugurated section connects key commercial hubs such as BKC and Worli with cultural landmarks including Siddhivinayak Temple, Mahim Dargah, Mahim Church, Shivaji Park, and several prominent theatres. The estimated travel time across the stretch is 15 minutes.

The construction faced multiple hurdles, including complex tunnelling under rocky terrain, coastal regulation clearances, traffic management in dense urban areas, land acquisition, and permissions for mangrove and tree felling. Officials stated that despite these constraints, the corridor promises to alleviate congestion along the Western Express Highway and suburban railway lines, while enhancing multimodal connectivity in Mumbai.