Mumbai, October 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line-3 on Wednesday — marking the completion of the city’s first fully underground metro corridor. The newly launched 10.99-km Phase 2B stretch from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade completes the 33.5-km-long Aqua Line, which is now operational for passengers.
Operated by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), the corridor connects Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai to Aarey JVLR in the north. The project, built at a total cost of ₹37,276 crore, is expected to ease suburban rail congestion by nearly 15% and significantly cut city traffic.
Speaking during the event in Navi Mumbai—where he also inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport—Prime Minister Modi said these projects reflect the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and will transform Mumbai’s connectivity. He added that the new airport will link Maharashtra’s farmers to global markets in Europe and West Asia, promoting exports and helping small industries grow.
The MMRC estimates that Metro Line-3 will reduce around 6.65 lakh vehicular trips daily, save 3.54 lakh litres of fuel per day, and lower traffic congestion by 35%, leading to cleaner air and less noise pollution.
The fare for the Aqua Line ranges from ₹10 to ₹70, with trains running every five minutes during peak hours. The line features 27 stations, including 11 in the newly inaugurated section, and connects major educational institutions, hospitals, religious places, and recreational facilities across the city.
With the inauguration of this final stretch, the entire 33.5-km Mumbai Metro Line-3—from Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade—is now fully operational for public use.
