Mumbai’s metro network is set to expand further as the second phase of Metro 3 (Aqua Line) is expected to be launched by April 10. The extension, which stretches 22 kilometers from Aarey to Acharya Atre Chowk (Worli), has been planned to enhance connectivity while reducing congestion on some of the city’s busiest roads. The fully underground corridor will allow commuters to travel in air-conditioned comfort, with a one-way fare set at ₹60.
With this expansion, six new metro stations will be introduced, increasing the total number of operational stations on the line to sixteen. The extended route will provide an alternative to the heavily congested Lady Jamshedji Road and Dr Annie Besant Road. Several prominent localities, including Dharavi, Dadar, and Siddhivinayak, will be connected, along with major business hubs such as SEEPZ, MIDC, Andheri-Kurla Road, BKC, and Worli. Improved access to key residential areas and important religious sites, including St Michael’s Church, Hazrat Makhdum Fakih Ali Mahimi’s shrine, Shitaladevi Temple, and Siddhivinayak Temple, is also expected.
The first phase of Metro 3 had been inaugurated on October 5, 2024, and made operational for the public shortly after. The upcoming extension has been aligned with the Maharashtra government’s 100-day plan, which had been announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on December 9, 2024. It has been confirmed by officials of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) that all efforts are being made to meet the April deadline. The second phase has been considered a crucial part of the government’s urban infrastructure plan, with rapid progress being reported.
Necessary approvals had already been secured from the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), eliminating the need for further testing. At present, work is focused on obtaining the Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) certificate, which is required before an inspection can be conducted by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). Train trials had already been initiated between Dharavi and Acharya Atre Chowk in preparation for final clearance. A CMRS inspection has been expected by the end of March, with the formal application process already underway. Since its launch, Metro 3’s first phase has recorded a ridership of over 2.6 million across nearly 30,000 trips, averaging about 19,600 passengers daily. The entire 33.5-km corridor, which will eventually extend to Cuffe Parade, has been projected to become fully operational by July 2025. A successful trial run of the final 10.99-km segment leading to Cuffe Parade had been conducted on February 28.
As the extension nears completion, Mumbai’s commuters have been anticipating faster and more reliable public transport. Road congestion has been expected to reduce significantly, while seamless connectivity to commercial and residential areas will be made possible, marking a major milestone in the city’s metro development.
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