Big information has come out about Mumbai’s first underground metro or Aqua Line. In its first phase, train operations will start between Aarey Colony and Bandra-Kurla Complex as soon as security clearance is received. A senior official gave this update on Tuesday. The 12.5 km long metro route between Aarey Colony and BKC is part of the 33.5 km long Colaba-Seepz-Aarey Metro Line-3. In this way, the people of Mumbai are going to get a big gift soon in terms of traffic convenience.
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) Managing Director Ashwini Bhide gave more information in a press conference. He said that train operation will start soon on Metro Line-3, as now only the approval of Metro Railway Safety Commissioner (CMRS) is pending. He said that 2 approvals were required for this. Out of this, they have already got approval for rolling stock (metro train), while the application for the rail line is pending for approval.
33.5 kilometer long underground metro corridor
According to official sources, there is a 33.5 km long underground metro corridor between Colaba-Seepz-Aarey. Out of this, the 12.5 km long Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex route may be inaugurated in the first week of October. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag it off along with other infrastructure projects in the state. Bhide said that about 93 percent of the work on it has been completed and the entire line between Colaba to Aarey is likely to be operational by March or May 2025.
Plan to make 96 trips daily
Bhide said that they have planned 96 trips daily between Aarey and BKC through 8 pairs of trains. This service will be available from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm. Only on Sundays, the first service will start at 8 am instead of 6.30 am. He said that the minimum fare on this line will be Rs 10 and the maximum will be Rs 50. The maximum fare will be Rs 70 when the Colaba-Seepz-Aarey corridor is fully operational. The first phase of the corridor has the capacity to carry 6.5 lakh passengers per day. There will be 48 drivers to operate the train, including 10 women.