Metro 3’s Phase 1 to be launched by September; fully operational by next year
Phase 1 comprises three packages—Package 5, 6, and 7 which includes the SEEPZ, MIDC, and Marol stations.
2 min read
Given the current status, commissioning of Phase 1 is likely by mid-September, Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRC) said. (Express photo)Mumbai’s underground Metro 3 line, which will connect Colaba, Bandra, and SEEPZ, is now set to see its first phase between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Aarey commissioned by September this year. Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), which is the project implementing authority, confirmed the revised timeline, acknowledging delays in Phase 1 due to pending mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works, especially at the airport stations where entry and exit construction is still ongoing.
Phase 1 comprises three packages—Package 5, 6, and 7 which includes the SEEPZ, MIDC, and Marol stations.
Work is pending on Package 6 at the Sahar, T1, and T2 stations. The ancillary building at Sahar Road station, which includes an entry and exit, is in its final stages of completion. Multiple processes, such as escalator testing are ongoing. T1 station, which is a major station with significant commercial space, has experienced delays due to the late start on entry and exit work, which was complicated by MIAL’s plans for overhead commercial development.
Consequently, the stations had to be built deeper than usual, with temporary entry and exit lobbies now in place to facilitate passenger movement.
A comprehensive safety review, covering all commuter-related features such as lifts, escalators, and staircases, will follow, leading to a full proposal for CMRS (Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety) certification for the commissioning of Metro 3 Phase 1.
Given the current status, commissioning of Phase 1 is likely by mid-September, Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRC) said.
Regarding the second stretch of Metro 3 from BKC to Cuffe Parade, Bhide highlighted significant challenges at the Girgaon and Kalbadevi stations. The final stretch, up to Cuffe Parade, is slated for commissioning between March and June next year. Originally, the entirety of Metro 3 line was expected to begin operations in September this year. While Phase 1 was to be commissioned in June, it was later pushed to August and now is aimed to be launched in September this year.
You May Like
Photos
