Japan-assisted Mumbai’s first underground metro line fully operational, linking South and North Mumbai in 45 minutes

Mumbai (Maharashtra) — The Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor) became fully operational on October 8, marking a major milestone in the city’s transport network, reports 24brussels. The 33.5 km underground corridor, supported by Japanese funding through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), now connects Aarey in the north to Cuffe Parade in the south.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final segment between Acharya Atre Chowk and Cuffe Parade stations during a ceremony at Navi Mumbai International Airport. The event was attended by Japan’s Ambassador to India ONO Keiichi, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, among others.

This stretch, also known as the Aqua Line, encompasses a total of 27 stations—26 underground and one above ground. The newly constructed metro corridor significantly reduces travel time between Mumbai International Airport and Cuffe Parade to approximately 45 minutes, slashing the north-south Mumbai journey from nearly two hours.

During the event, PM Modi described the underground metro as “a living symbol of a developing Bharat,” commending the engineers and workers for their efforts in completing the project amid Mumbai’s dense urban environment while preserving heritage structures. Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed pride in overseeing India’s largest underground metro line, thanking the Government of Japan and JICA for their support.

The project, executed by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), received Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans totaling JPY 354,132 million, contributing to a total project cost of JPY 680,692 million. The concluding phase features 11 new underground stations, enhancing access to South Mumbai’s commercial and residential areas.

Takeuchi Takuro, JICA India Chief Representative, remarked, “The successful completion of Mumbai Metro Line 3 is a testament to the deepening Japan-India cooperation in infrastructure development. This metro line exemplifies sustainable urban mobility and will play a pivotal role in improving daily commute for Mumbaikars.”

Mumbai Metro Line 3 represents the city’s first fully underground metro system, linking key landmarks such as the Bandra-Kurla Complex, Dharavi, Mumbai International Airport, and MIDC. The line includes women-only cars, disabled-friendly platforms, and advanced surveillance systems aimed at ensuring commuter safety.