Mumbai’s underground Metro Line-3 took a big step forward with the opening of its Phase 2A on May 9, connecting Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli. The new stretch was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and opened to the public on May 10.
The second phase of the Aqua Line connects key city landmarks, including Dharavi, Shitaladevi Temple, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Temple, and Worli, to the underground metro network. This allows office workers and daily commuters to travel between BKC and Worli in just 15 minutes.
The new 9.77-km stretch is part of the broader Metro-3 corridor, which will eventually run from Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade, covering 27 stations (26 underground) and connecting vital business and residential hubs like SEEPZ, BKC, Mumbai Central, and CSMT.
The BKC–Worli segment operates eight trains, with services running every 6 minutes and 20 seconds. A one-way trip takes around 15 minutes and 20 seconds, and tickets cost between Rs 10 and Rs 40.
All stations are equipped with modern features such as platform screen doors, escalators, and elevators. While the trains are designed for driverless operation, drivers will be present during the initial phase.
BKC station is expected to become a key transit hub, with future connections planned to Metro Line-2B and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, making it an important part of Mumbai’s upcoming transport network.
When Metro Line-3 becomes fully operational, expected by July 2025, commuters will be able to travel from Cuffe Parade to Aarey in less than an hour. The line will link major job hubs such as Nariman Point, Fort, SEEPZ, and Lower Parel, providing a high-capacity alternative to congested roadways.
The first phase, from Aarey to BKC, which opened in October 2024, experienced low ridership due to limited last-mile connectivity and weak links to key commercial areas. The launch of the BKC–Worli section is expected to improve this by offering better access to the city’s main business zones.
Metro Line-3 is expected to carry 1.3 million (13 lakh) passengers every day when fully finished. This will reduce 6.6 lakh car trips daily, save 3.54 lakh litres of fuel, and ease traffic by 35%, helping to lower air and noise pollution in Mumbai.
As of April 30, 2025, the project is almost finished, with 94.85% of the work done. The tunneling and civil work are complete, the tracks are all laid, and the stations are almost ready, at 99.42%. The electrical and signaling systems are 90.1% finished.
With Phase 2A now open, Mumbai is getting closer to having a complete, efficient, and eco-friendly metro system.
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