The Aqua Line 3 Project is said to be one of the most challenging and ambitious metro rails infra developments. It features a 33.5-kilometre-long underground metro route in Maharashtra, India. Additionally, it will feature as the first rail line with 27 underground stations, as well as one at-grade station.
The project’s implementation is by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) at a total cost of approximately ₹30,000 crore. Thus far, the underground rail line has received funding from five major groups. These include MMRDA, MMRCL, CREC as well as Padeco. Alongside the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which provided a soft loan of US$1.7 billion (₹13,235 crore).
In a nutshell, the Aqua Line 3 Project strives to contribute towards a reduction in road congestion. Moreover, the project aims to reduce load, especially along the Western Line between Churchgate and Bandra. The project aims for completion by June 2024. However, its first phase which is between Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex is scheduled to be ready by December 2023.Â
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Overview of the Aqua Line 3 Project in India
On 27 June 2013, the project got clearance from the Union Cabinet. Thereafter, it received approval from the State Cabinet on 26 February 2014. Its foundation stone, in the presence of Government officials, was set on 26 August 2014. AECOM Asia, a consortium in a joint venture with Padeco, LBG Inc USA, alongside Egis Rail was appointed as the project’s general consultants in December 2014.Â
Initially, and still, to date, the project is known as the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line. Upon completion, it will serve as a connecting link between South and North Mumbai. The line will stretch from Navy Nagar which is in the far south of the city down to the Aarey Deport within the north centre. Additionally, it will feature connections to other metro lines, as well as Mumbai Airport. Moreover, the Aqua Line 3 Project will also link to Mumbai’s financial hubs including, Worli, Nariman Point Fort, and Goregaon.Â
