Mumbai Metro-3: The Travel Upgrade & Traffic Respite Colaba, BKC, Worli Officegoers Were Waiting For
Mumbai Metro Aqua Line: Is Colaba-Bandra-Aarey Metro-3 fully operational? What is the route? How has it eased office commute? Can you switch lines? How much do tickets cost?
Mumbai Metro Line 3: Mumbai Metro Line 3, two phases of which are already open, has changed the way the city travels. The Metro Aqua line ticks all boxes as it is reduces traffic congestion, slashes travel times, and integrates well with both existing and future transit lines. From suburbs to airport, it connects all.
Here's why in such a short time, it has become officegoers' preferred mode.
Known as the Aqua Line, Metro 3 is Mumbai's first fully underground corridor, planned to stretch 33.5 km between Cuffe Parade (Colaba) and Aarey, featuring 27 stations (26 underground + one at grade).
Phase 1 – Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC): The 12.69-km phase was thrown open to the public on October 7, 2024. The 10 stations are BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1, Sahar Road, CSMIA T 2, Marol Naka, Andheri, SEEPZ and Aarey Colony JVLR (the only station at grade). Its cost was Rs 14,120 crore.
Phase 2A – BKC to Worli: The 9.8-km phase two has the following six stations — Dharavi, Shitaladevi Temple, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Temple, Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk (Worli Naka). It was launched on May 9, 2025. Its cost was Rs 9,500-10,000 crore.
Last phase – Worli to Cuffe Parade: The phase three will have the following stations — Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, CSMT, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan, Cuffe Parade. It is expected to be ready by August 2025. Its cost is Rs 9,785 crore.
End-to-end travel is projected to be completed within 60 minutes.
When will the last phase of Mumbai Metro-3 be completed?
The 10-km phase from Worli (Acharya Atre Chowk) to Cuffe is under construction. It is expected to open this year, with its work in advanced stages.
How many trains are operated on Mumbai Metro-3?
Phase 1 operated with about 8-9 rakes giving 96 round trips daily between Aarey and BKC.
With Phase 2A added, services rose to 244 daily operated by 8 trains/rakes.
Each eight-coach train carries up to 2,500 passengers; designed speeds of 85 km/h, with an average of 35 km/h.
What are Mumbai Metro-3 timings?
Weekdays: 6:30 AM–10:30 PM
What is Mumbai Metro-3 train frequency?
Peak hours: Every 6-6.5 minutes
Non-peak: Trains every 15-20 minutes
What are iconic spots through which Mumbai Metro-3 passes?
Dharavi: Dharavi, while one of the country's largest slums, is also known for its various small-scale industries, including recycling, leather production, pottery, and textiles. The life in Dharavi slum has been covered in various Hindi films.
Siddhivinayak Temple: The temple in Prabhadevi is a must-visit for any Ganpati devotee. It sees long queues on special occasions, with several celebrities spotted there regularly.
Worli: A promenade, sea link to houses of famous celebrities, there is nothing you can't find in the central Mumbai. Besides, it also stands testimony to the city's old charm with its chawls and fishing villages, with its Common Man sculpture and fort adding to its beauty.
Science Museum: A common picnic spot for schools, the centre in Worli is known for its interactive science exhibits. The science center is very informative not only for children but also for adults.
Mahalaxmi: An upscale neighbourhood in the city, it known for the Royal Western India Turf Club's Mahalaxmi Racecourse, with horse races every year having visitors from around the world. It is also known for the Mahalaxmi Temple, and offers a great view of Malabar Hill and the Arabian Sea.
CSMT: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is a historic railway terminus and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai. It is the headquarters of India's Central Railway and one of the busiest railway stations in India, handling both long-distance and suburban trains. There are several historic spots in the area such as Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Marine Drive, Jehangir Art Gallery, Colaba Causeway, among others.
Hutatma Chowk: The square in South Mumbai hosted Flora Fountain and was known by that name until 1961. It was later renamed in the memory of the members of Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, who died when police fired upon their peaceful demonstration in 1956. A statue of a 'Martyr with a Flame' stands next to Flora Fountain.
Vidhan Bhavan: It is the centre of all the action in Mumbai politics. During an assembly session, you may also get to spot some political leaders. From AIR building to Marine Drive, just a long walk in the area will give you a glimpse of Mumbai.
How has Mumbai Metro-3 helped the city?
Phase 1 alone cuts 650,000 car trips daily, reducing road congestion by 35% and saving 3.54 lakh litres of fuel/day.
Phase 2A attracted over 32,000 passengers/day within two days of launch, connecting key business hubs (BKC, Worli, Dadar).
Full line predicted to serve up to 13 lakh passengers/day impacting air quality and commute experience across southern-central Mumbai.
As Phase 2A of Aqualine is plying and connecting commuters to Worli, we'd like to guide you through open and functional entry/exit points.✅ Open Entry/Exit
A1- Worli Police Station
B1 – Glaxo Smith Kline
B2 – Dr Ravindra Kulkarni Chowk Samsira
B3 – Worli Fire Station
B4… pic.twitter.com/LDd0CdEldS
— MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) May 12, 2025
Is Mumbai Metro-3 connected to other Metro lines?
Line 1 at Marol Naka (adjacent station exit; short walk)
Line 2B at BKC/ITO (planned skywalk)
Line 6 (Pink) at Aarey JVLR (under construction)
Planned interchanges at Dadar, CSMT, Mumbai Central, Churchgate with other metro lines and suburban rail.
Is it easy to switch lines from Mumbai Metro-3?
Some connections, like Marol Naka (Line 1) are separate stations requiring exit and re-entry (short walk).
Other interchange paths—for instance at airport stations or BKC—may involve longer underground walks.
Why Mumbai Metro-3 matters to officegoers?
It links major business zones: BKC, Worli, Dadar, plus airport access and SEEPZ tech park. Offers fast, reliable travel avoiding surface congestion, ideal for professionals in finance, corporate, and services sectors.
Timesaver
Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) saves a significant amount of travel time by offering fast, direct, and uninterrupted underground connectivity through the core of Mumbai.
Here's how:
End-to-End Travel Time Reduction: Full Aarey to Cuffe Parade stretch once ready will be covered in 60 minutes. It takes 120-180+ minutes to cover the stretch by road during peak traffic.
BKC to Worli: 13-15 minutes by Metro vs 45-60 minutes by road
Andheri to Cuffe Parade: 45-50 minutes by Metro vs 90-120 minutes by road
CSIA T2 to BKC: 10-12 minutes by Metro vs 30-45 minutes by taxi in traffic
Bypassing surface traffic
Being fully underground, Line 3 avoids road congestion, traffic lights, signal delays, and monsoon-related flooding. You move seamlessly from north to south without interruption.
Direct access to key hubs: Major business zones connected such as SEEPZ, MIDC, BKC, Worli, Lower Parel, Fort, Cuffe Parade. It will be directly connected to airport terminals (T1 & T2) saving time on airport transfers. Railway interchanges at Dadar, Mumbai Central, Churchgate, and CSMT make switching faster.
High frequency & reliability: Trains every 6-7 minutes during peak hours. Consistent, predictable schedules — no wait for BEST buses, taxis, or autos.
Avoids long detours: Previously, to go from Andheri to Fort or Cuffe Parade, commuters had to:
Take the Western Express Highway-Mahalaxmi-Peddar Road-Marine Drive
Or switch between autos, buses, trains, and taxis
Total trip: 2-3 different modes and 90 minutes
Metro-3 offers a single-seat ride, direct and clean.
#AquaLine is all set for operations of Phase-1 from Aarey JVLR to Bandra Kurla Complex covering a stretch of 12.69 kms. Here's an overview of how #Mumbaikars can now enjoy a transit experience that not only saves time but also reduces carbon footprints and help in sustainable… pic.twitter.com/Ovru2qXtND — MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) October 4, 2024
How to get Mumbai Metro-3 tickets?
Purchase options: Station counters, ticket vending machines, MetroConnect3 app, or QR tickets.
From June 11, 2025, the RuPay National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)—branded as the Mumbai 1 card—is accepted on Metro 3 between Aarey and Acharya Atre Chowk. The NCMC works across Metro Lines 1, 2A, 3, and 7, and on BEST buses. Cards used on other metro lines or Chalo bus services are fully compatible when tapped at Metro-3 stations.
Points to remember while buying tickets
Current Phase 1/2A operates via QR tickets or counters; smartcard rollout is underway.
Coin acceptance issues reported at Marol Naka machines—some do not accept Rs 10/Rs 20 coins and fail to give change.
Signage and station guides are still evolving—especially for airport travelers with luggage.
What are Mumbai Metro-3 fares?
Phase 1 (Aarey-BKC): Rs 10-50
Phase 2A extension (Aarey-Acharya Atre): Fare up to Rs 60
Full corridor (Aarey-Colaba): Rs 70 expected once operational
Fare Chart Overview 🎫Fare details for the operational route of Aqualine from #AareyJVLR to #AcharyaAtreChowk. This fare structure offers a convenient and affordable travel option across Mumbai's underground corridor🚇 @CMOMaharashtra @MahaDGIPR @MoHUA_India #MMRC #MetroFare … pic.twitter.com/zxkuo9UU5A — MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) May 13, 2025
Is Mumbai Metro-3 connected to other public transport?
Railway
Marol Naka: Ghatkopar station (800-m walk)
Santacruz: Western Railway (800 m)
Future Dadar/CSMT interchanges under development
Airport integration: Passengers at T2 station may need to walk; shuttle or walkway under construction
Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will be linked to two Metros – Metro-3 or the aqua line through a tunnel at Bandra-Kurla Complex and 2B via a foot overbridge (FOB).
Will Mumbai Metro-3 be connected to upcoming/planned lines?
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Planned physical interchanges with Lines 1, 2B, 6, 7A (airport link), 8 (Gold Line) and suburban rail at Dadar, CSMT, Churchgate, Mahalaxmi.
Completion of full corridor by August 2025 will enable seamless transfers across Metro & suburban systems.
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At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More
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First Published:
July 30, 2025, 16:59 IST
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