Mumbai’s underground Metro hits heart of city with Phase II launch

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during inauguration of the BKC-Worli stretch of the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line-3, in Mumbai. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Mumbai's first underground Metro rail, the Aqua Line 3, on Friday entered the island city, tunneling deep beneath the Mithi river. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the new 9.77 km extension to Worli, announcing that the entire line up to Colaba will be operational by August 2025. Fadnavis said 50 km of Metro rail will be made operational across different lines this year, with another 50 km to follow next year.

The newly opened Aarey-Worli stretch is expected to be a gamechanger, cutting through dense residential and commercial zones like Dharavi, Mahim, Dadar, and the bustling office hub of Worli. Authorities expect it to draw significantly higher ridership than the earlier Aarey-BKC stretch.

Access gates at the undergroud Metro station at BKC during the inauguration of the Phase II of the Aqua Line on Friday, the services will be operational from today

Starting Saturday, trains will operate between Aarey JVLR and Acharya Atre Chowk, with the complete journey priced at R60. Services will run from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm. The six new stations between Kotak BKC and Acharya Atre Chowk are Dharavi, Sitaladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli, and Acharya Atre Chowk.

"The entire stretch from Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ spans 33 km. Earlier, 13 km was operational, and now another 9 km has been added. Full operations start on Saturday. This Metro is an engineering marvel - we've even built a tunnel under the Mithi river. Two stations are in the final stages and will open once ready. We're also expediting work on other Metro lines in Mumbai," Fadnavis said.

One app to track them all

CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), a universal ticketing system, has passed its test phase and will soon roll out.
A new app enabling real-time bus tracking and journey planning has also been launched. "We want to offer an end-to-end solution - how to travel quicker, cheaper, and smarter," he said.

‘A dream realised'

Mahalakshmi Ravinarayan, Tutor

‘This opening is truly a dream realised. The Metro has finally reached the heart of the city, and we hope it reaches its final destination as planned. This line connects long-neglected areas like Dharavi, Worli, and Kalbadevi. We also hope last-mile connectivity from stations improves. One concern for us Mahimkars is the illegal encroachment around the Sitladevi Mandir station, especially on Wednesdays'

Dhun Mistry, Commuter, a resident of South Mumbai

‘Accessibility is key to getting footfall in public transport. Trains, buses, Metros, and monorails should begin or end inside residential areas while still passing through official zones. The monorail could have succeeded if it was extended towards Byculla. MMRDA is ignoring public needs'

Aditya Rane, Transport expert

‘After more than a decade of waiting, the opening of Metro Line 3 till Worli is a historic milestone in making the island city truly accessible. Connecting key hubs like Dadar and business districts like Worli directly to BKC, Andheri MIDC is a game-changer for Mumbai's urban mobility. This integration of east-west and north-south corridors will shift lakhs from packed local trains to a better commute'

Phase 2A: BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk

Stations: 6 (all underground)
Distance: 9.77 km

Connectivity: Links business hubs like BKC and Worli; will integrate with Metro Line 2B and the Bullet Train project. Also connects to landmarks like Siddhivinayak Temple, Mahim Dargah, Shivaji Park, and more.

Headway: 6 min 20 sec
Travel time 15 min 20 sec
Trains: 8 Trips per day: 244

Complete Journey: Aarey JVLR to Acharya
Atre Chowk
Travel time: 36 minutes
Fare: Rs 10-Rs 60
Escalators: 208
Lifts: 67