Mumbai Metro 3: 11 Stations Get New Names As Phase 1 Operations To Commence Soon

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved the renaming of 11 stations on the Mumbai Metro 3 or Aqua Line. This decision was announced on September 19, 2024, in a notification published in the Gazette of India after the request by the Maharashtra government. 

The renaming is part of the metro alignment under the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act of 1978. The notification says, “The Central Government considers it necessary to rename the metro stations of Mumbai’s Metro Line 3.”

The stations with new names are:

1. CST Metro: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Metro

2. Mumbai Central Metro: Jagannath Shankar Sheth Metro

3. Science Museum: Science Centre

4. Shitaladevi Temple: Shitala Devi Mandir

5. Bandra: Bandra-Kurla Complex 

6. Vidyanagari: Bandra Colony 

7. Santacruz: Santacruz Metro

8. Domestic Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T1

9. International Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T2

10. MIDC: MIDC-Andheri

11. Aarey: Aarey JVLR.

As per reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is most likely to inaugurate Metro 3 on October 4. However, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has stated that it is currently preparing for Phase-1 operations. This phase will cover the stretch between Aarey Colony and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is conducting safety inspections for Metro 3. The rolling stock inspection has already been completed. Approval from the government is also pending. MMRCL will begin Phase-1 operations after CMRS completes its mainline inspection and provides clearance.

The MMRCL is also working to improve the connectivity of metro with other public transport systems. This includes integration with foot over bridges, walkways, seating areas, and better final-mile connectivity at stations.

Metro 3 is a 33.5-kilometre-long, fully underground metro line. It covers 27 key stations between Colaba, Bandra, and SEEPZ. Currently, the MMRCL also has enough rakes to support the operations of the first phase of the metro. Once operational, Metro 3 will provide 260 services daily.