Mumbai Metro Line 3 (MML-3), also known as the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Line, is a transformative infrastructure project shaping Mumbai's urban landscape. Spanning 33.5 kilometers across 27 stations, it connects key business districts like Bandra-Kurla-Complex (BKC) and Nariman Point, offering a rapid transit system to enhance connectivity and economic activity.
The Mumbai Metro 3 project aims to bridge the gap between the city’s rising population and the inadequate public transportation system.
This move is especially a blessing to the areas where the MML-3 is going to operate because some of these places, especially Kurla and Seepz tend to get severely waterlogged and flooded during the monsoon.
Background and Planning
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) came up with the Mumbai Metro 3 project in 2010 to address the city's growing traffic congestion and inadequate public transport infrastructure.
This project has faced numerous hurdles, including land acquisition challenges, funding delays, environmental concerns, and moral and political pressure from all directions. However, coming up from the hurdles, the overall project is now at 91.9% complete.
The authority responsible for the implementation and management of the MML-3 project is Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL). It has been constituted as a joint venture of the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of Maharashtra (GOM) on a 50:50 sharing basis.
The total project cost was revised and approved by the Government of India in February 2024 to Rs. 37,276 crore. A major part of this fund includes loans from JICA- Japan International Cooperation Agency. Initially, the loan amount was Rs. 13,235 crore, but later, it was hiked to Rs. 21,280 crore. This loan amount constitutes around 57.09% of the total project cost.
JICA recently issued the final tranche of loans for Metro 3. The fifth and final tranche amounted to Rs. 4,474 crore.
Status
Mumbai's first underground metro will open in two phases:
Phase 1- Aarey to BKC Phase 2- BKC to Cuffe Parade
Phase 1 of the Mumbai underground metro is expected to open to commuters soon in 2024. 96.6% of the work for this corridor has been completed. The metro will cover a total distance of 11-12 kilometers, covering 10 stations.
Trials commenced in March to check the overall safety of the metro before opening it to passengers. However, inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is yet to happen. Hence, the date will be decided after receiving a final nod.
Talking of Phase 2 of the Aqua Line project, which stretches from BKC to Cuffe Parade, is at 85.5% progress and is expected to be complete by the end of this year. This distance is around 21-22 kilometers.
Distance and Timings
The Mumbai Metro Line 3 will cover a total stretch of 33.5 km, starting from Aarey Colony and ending at Cuffe Parade. Aiming to improve Mumbai's traffic congestion, this route will cover the distance within 1 hour, which takes around 2 hours by road.
The metro timings will be from 6:00 in the morning to 11:00 at night, with one metro running every few minutes.
Route and Stations
The route has 27 stations, out of which 26 are underground stations and 1 at grade. Here's the list of stations:
- Cuffe Parade
- Vidhan Bhavan
- Churchgate
- Hutatma Chowk
- CST
- Kalbadevi
- Girgaon
- Grant Road
- Mumbai Central
- Mahalaxmi
- Science Museum
- Atre Chowk
- Worli
- Siddhivinayak
- Dadar
- Shitaladevi Temple
- Dharavi
- BKC
- Vidyanagri
- Santacruz
- Domestic Airport
- Sahar Road
- International Airport
- Marol Naka
- MIDC
- Seepz
- Aarey Depot
SOURCE: https://mmrcl.com/map/
All the stations will be equipped with modern technology. To prevent trespassing on the tracks, the stations will have Platform Screen Doors. Additionally, they will feature automatic fare collection machines for contactless revenue collection.
Benefits
With full-scale operations of the Mumbai Metro Line 3, Mumbaikers will witness significant benefits.
Reduction in commute time: Commute time from Aarey to Cuffe Parade will be reduced to under an hour, which would otherwise take nearly 2 hours.
Reduced load on suburban railways: Metro 3 is expected to reduce the load on suburban trains by nearly 15% and provide better comfort with air-conditioned trains and no dust/ noise pollution.
Provide connection to major financial hubs: Once fully operational, the Aqua Line will connect major business centers, corporate areas, and financial hubs like Nariman Point, Lower Parel, BKC, SEEPZ, Goregoan, etc.
Connectivity to unconnected areas: MML-3 will provide connectivity to unconnected areas like Cuffe Parade, Kalbadevi, Worli, Nariman Point, BKC, Airport, MIDC, and SEEPZ.
MML-3 Integrates with Suburban Rail Stations and Metro Lines: The MML-3 will enable convenient connections to 5 existing suburban railway stations at Churchgate, CSMT, Mumbai Central, and Mahalaxmii. This integration will bring train services closer to areas of the city that are not currently served by the suburban rail system. It also has one change point for Monorail and Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro.
Significant traffic reduction: Once implemented, MML-3 would reduce traffic on the corridor by about 35% or by 4.5 lakh vehicles, leading to decongestion of roads.
Economical benefits: MML-3 provided and will provide huge employment opportunities during and after construction.
Environmental benefits: The Aqua Line will be environmentally friendly. The expected reduction in emissions is 1 lakh tons of CO₂ per annum. Additionally, considering a reduction of approximately 4.5 lakh vehicles on the road per day, approx. 2.5 lakh litres of fuel per day will be saved.
Benefits from Commercial Real Estate POV
The Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ line provides connectivity to various major office areas and financial hubs.
Below are 3 reasons why investing in commercial real estate or renting a commercial property can be fruitful near MML-3:
Improved Accessibility: MML-3 will enhance connectivity to different parts of Mumbai, making it easier for employees to reach their workplaces efficiently.
Increased Property Values: Properties that are in close proximity to metro stations are expected to experience an appreciation in property values. Mumbai Metro Line 3 may influence businesses to consider setting up offices near metro stations, potentially leading to increased demand and development in these areas.
Boost to Local Retail Businesses: Increased connectivity can lead to increased foot traffic and, hence, higher sales.
If you want to rent a commercial property in top locations like BKC or Bandra, just click away and explore many options!
If you are interested in investing in commercial real estate, explore prime opportunities in BKC and Bandra.
Summing Up
Mumbai Metro Line 3 is a game-changer, not only for daily commutes but also for shaping the city's economic landscape. Its impact extends beyond improved connectivity, influencing real estate development, fostering business opportunities, and attracting investments.
This significant project is positioned to influence the future direction of the city by relieving traffic congestion and promoting economic development. The vision of a connected, accessible, and sustainable Mumbai is achievable with the government's resolute dedication and collaborative efforts.
