Mumbai: The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) began the inspection of the underground stretch between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Acharya Atre Chowk on Metro Line 3. This marks a critical step toward opening this segment for passenger operations.
The 9.8-kilometre stretch, part of the Aqua Line — Mumbai’s first fully underground metro — comprises six stations: Dharavi, Sitaladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli, and Acharya Atre Chowk. Once commissioned, the metro will operate across a nearly 20-km corridor from Aarey to Acharya Atre Chowk, leaving only 12.5 km between Acharya Atre Chowk and Cuffe Parade pending, which is likely to open by July, according to sources.
The CMRS inspection is the final regulatory clearance required before the corridor is opened to the public. Over the next few days, the inspection team is expected to examine the structural stability of tunnels and stations, evaluate track and overhead systems, test fire safety and ventilation mechanisms, and review emergency evacuation procedures.
Sources said, “CMRS inspection is the final stage before commercial operations begin. This process ensures all safety systems are robust and compliant with prescribed standards.” The stretch also includes one of the corridor’s most challenging engineering feats — the tunnel beneath the Mithi River — built using specially modified Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) designed for underwater tunnelling.
Trial runs and system integration tests at operational speeds were completed, and all statutory clearances are in place. However, MMRCL officials are tight-lipped about the timeline and have not confirmed a launch date and refused to provide details about the CMRS inspection.
This new stretch will connect important residential and commercial hubs such as Dharavi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, and Worli, significantly reducing dependence on road transport. While the minimum fare has been fixed at ₹10, the maximum fare in Phase 1, between Aarey and BKC, is ₹40. With the extension up to Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, and Siddhivinayak, the maximum fare will be ₹60.
The stretch is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance north-south connectivity for thousands of daily commuters. Since its launch, Phase 1 of Metro 3 (Aarey–BKC) recorded a daily ridership of approximately 22,000. MMRC expects this number to rise significantly as the Metro extends to densely populated areas of the island city.