Mumbai: Commuters in Mumbai are set for a major relief as the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has cleared Metro Line 3 Phase 2B for passenger operations, connecting Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. From 9 October, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) will operate the entire north-south underground corridor, offering a smooth journey from Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade.
The service has been scheduled to accommodate both early morning and late-night travellers. The first trains will depart from both terminal stations at 5:55 am, earlier than the previous 6:30 am start, while the last train leaves at 10:30 pm, reaching the terminals by 11:25 pm.
Phase 2B’s integration completes the Aqua Line (Metro 3) as Mumbai’s first fully underground metro route, spanning approximately 33.5 km and encompassing 27 stations from Aarey to Cuffe Parade. Key stops on the final stretch include Mumbai Central, CSMT Metro, Churchgate, and Vidhan Bhavan, enhancing connectivity across South Mumbai.
Officials predict significant reductions in travel times. A journey from Cuffe Parade to Aarey, which earlier took longer, will now take just 54 minutes once the full line is operational.
The inauguration of the final stretch is scheduled for 8 October, coinciding with the launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport — marking a landmark day in the city’s transportation evolution.
