Mumbai Metro-3: Second Phase Services from Aarey to BKC Begin, Link to Cuffe Parade Ready by 2025
Now, that phase one of the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3 is open, everyone’s eyes are on phase two which will connect the suburbs to South Mumbai.
Mumbai Metro-3: Now that phase one of the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3 is open, everyone’s eyes are on phase two which will connect the suburbs to South Mumbai.
The first phase of the aqua line from Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) was opened to public on Monday. According to reports, phase two – BKC to Cuffe Parade – is almost ready and should be fully operational by March 2025.
Mumbai’s first entirely underground Metro line is a massive engineering feat. Once it’s operational, it will change the city’s public transport system big time and reduce traffic and travel time across the city.
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Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), said, “Phase II from BKC to Cuffe Parade is expected to start in March 2025. The second phase will have 17 stations. The overall progress of phase II is 87%. The major challenges faced while construction of this phase include tunnelling in complicated geology and below old, dilapidated buildings around congested neighbourhood and in close vicinity of heritage buildings.
"Also, certain limits for vibrations had to be maintained and continuously monitored while tunnelling to ensure the safety of such buildings. Our team has successfully addressed complex tunnelling challenges, prioritising heritage building safety and vibration control through advanced technology and expert collaboration.”
By September 2024, the project is 87% complete. One of the major milestones achieved was the completion of tunnelling with 42 breakthroughs which is a big progress. These breakthroughs were important to keep the project on track for the 2025 opening.
Along with tunnelling, other civil works for the Metro are almost complete, 99.5% of the infrastructure is in place. Station work is also progressing, 98.2% of the work is done. Track installation which is important for operational readiness is in progress and will be completed soon.
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Metro-3 has faced many challenges given the complexity of construction in a densely populated urban area like South Mumbai. One of the biggest challenge was working through congested localities where space is limited and traffic is 24/7.
The Metro alignment runs under some of the city’s busiest roads, heritage buildings, existing flyovers, railway lines and even beneath the Mithi River. These conditions required detailed planning to avoid disruptions and keep the public and construction workers safe.
Apart from space constraint, the project faced big logistical challenges in moving heavy machinery and materials. Limited space in urban areas made it difficult to transport and store construction material without disrupting daily life.
The city’s geography added another layer of complexity as tunnelling was done near the coast and high groundwater table was a challenge for engineers.
Mumbai’s rocky terrain made drilling and tunnelling tough. The project faced environmental and regulatory challenges too, especially Coastal Regulation Zone rules and clearances for forest areas. Rehabilitation of residents affected by land acquisition was another challenge that required careful coordination to minimize disruption.
Making your metro journey more easier.???? Here's an overview of #distance and #fare chart ???? for your travel journey from Aarey JVLR to Bandra Kurla Complex.
— MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) October 7, 2024
#MumbaiKiQueenMetroTeen #ConnectingTheUnconnected
#MumbaiUnderground#FareStructure pic.twitter.com/2SZRYZFFHd
Once operational, the entire Metro-3 line will be 33.5 km long with 27 stations, of which 26 will be underground. Trains will run at 4 minutes and 24 seconds frequency during peak hours so that the Metro is a fast and convenient mode of transport for Mumbaikars.
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