Commuters traveling daily between Worli and BKC or Aarey are set to receive a major relief in the next 15-20 days. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has commenced inspection work for Phase 2 of the Metro-3 corridor starting Monday. The inspection is expected to be completed within a week, after which the 9.6-km stretch of the corridor is likely to open for public use by the third or fourth week of April.
Trial runs had been ongoing for the past four months between BKC and Acharya Atre Chowk. According to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), all systems and equipment on the 9.6-km stretch were found to be functioning efficiently during internal inspections. Following this, the CMRS team was invited for final safety clearance.
The 9.6-km route includes six metro stations. With the opening of Phase 2, metro services will become operational on 20 km out of the total 33.35-km Metro-3 corridor. Passengers will be able to travel seamlessly from Aarey to Sewri (Acharya Atre Chowk).
What is CMRS?
CMRS inspections focus on evaluating safety aspects including tracks, overhead systems, fire safety, ventilation systems, emergency exits, and passenger amenities at stations. Separate CMRS teams thoroughly inspect all systems and equipment. If any issues are found, metro authorities are asked to rectify them before the final clearance for commercial operations is granted.
Project Status
The Metro Line 3 corridor stretches from Aarey to Cuffe Parade. Before the last state elections, the section from Aarey to BKC was opened to the public. Now, the next section from BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk is expected to be launched by the end of April. MMRCL also plans to begin services from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade by July. Recently, trial runs up to Cuffe Parade have been successfully completed, confirming operational readiness.
Engineering Marvel: Metro Beneath the Mithi River
Phase 2 of the Metro-3 corridor is not only crucial for commuters but also a significant engineering feat. The route includes an underground section beneath the Mithi River between BKC and Dharavi, with the metro running around 25 meters below the water surface.
A 915-meter tunnel has already been constructed beneath the river. In total, three tunnels are being built under the Mithi River for the Metro-3 project — two measuring 1.5 km each and one measuring 154 meters. Of these, one tunnel is completed up to 660 meters, another up to 240 meters, and the third is around 15 meters in progress.
The section of the Mithi River between the BKC and Dharavi metro stations spans approximately 1.4 km. These two stations are being connected through tunnels constructed underneath the riverbed.
