BJP leader announces metro inauguration date; no clearances received say MMRC

This incident mirrors a similar one last year when the BJP’s state unit announced that the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link would be inaugurated on December 25, 2023. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority had then stated that it was unlikely they could open the bridge on the date announced by the BJP; the bridge was instead opened two weeks later on January 12.

On Wednesday afternoon, Vinod Tawade tweeted, “PM Modi had guaranteed to bring ease in the life of Mumbaikars‘ and it is being fulfilled. From July 24th onwards Metro 3 will be commissioned which will alleviate the commuting experience of Mumbai city.” However, this post has since been deleted.

Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of MMRC, responded that the CMRS (Commission of Metro Rail Safety) clearance is still pending. The MMRC, a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra on a 50:50 sharing basis, is undertaking this crucial metro project. No metro line can start commercial operations without the CMRS nod.

The 33.5-kilometer route, dubbed the “Aqua Line”, will connect south Mumbai to the western suburbs. Also called the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line, it will offer an alternative to the often-crowded suburban railway system. Bhide mentioned that they are currently focusing on Phase 1 from BKC to Aarey commercial operation, which is slated to begin soon.

Another official from MMRC confirmed that the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) team has completed the inspection of rolling stock (metro trains), which is a step ahead in obtaining the CMRS clearance. Metro 3 is expected to provide efficient mobility to Mumbaikars, who currently rely heavily on railways and roadways.

Metro 3 aims to supplement the inadequate suburban railway system by bringing the metro closer to the people. With full-scale operations of Metro Line 3, the city is expected to witness a significant reduction in traffic volumes, boosting local transit facilities. The line will offer comfortable, air-conditioned travel for more than 14 lakh commuters daily from 27 stations in its initial year of operation, reduce travel time, lower air and noise pollution, and enhance the safety and security of citizens.

Line 3, once fully operational, is set to become the city’s major arterial line, running in the north-south direction and promising to alleviate congestion on the road. It will connect six commercial business districts, 30 employment offices, 12 educational institutions, 11 major hospitals, 10 transportation hubs, 25 religious and recreational centers, and provide connectivity to both domestic and international airports. It will also serve areas like Kalbadevi, Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, and BKC, which currently lack direct rail-based transport connections.