Mumbai: Metro Line 3 Fully Energised, But Final Launch Faces Delay

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has successfully energised the entire 33.5-km stretch of the city’s first underground metro corridor — Metro Line 3 — marking a major milestone in the long-awaited Colaba-Bandra SEEPZ project. The 25 kV traction line was activated on July 23, enabling trial runs on the remaining Worli to Colaba Cuffe Parade stretch. However, the launch of this final phase, initially planned for August, is likely to be delayed due to pending trial runs and safety certifications.

About The Energisation

The energisation allows MMRC to begin trial runs following mandatory system checks and safety clearances. Sources indicate that trials will continue for a dedicated period until the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspection team visits and provides a checklist of requirements. Only after CMRS certification can commercial operations commence.

“Although the power supply is now functional across the route, the commissioning timeline may see a slight extension with a trial run yet to be completed along with obtaining clearance from CMRS certification,” sources said.

MMRC Issues A Public Safety Notice

MMRC has issued a public safety notice, warning that the 25,000-volt overhead traction wires are live from July 23. Residents and workers along the Worli-Colaba stretch have been urged to maintain distance from overhead systems to ensure safety. The Metro 3 corridor, spanning 33.5 km between Colaba and Aarey, includes 26 underground stations and one at-grade station.

A 22.5-km segment connecting BKC to Aarey is already operational, while the Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade section is in its final stages. Once fully operational, Metro Line 3 will significantly reduce travel time between South Mumbai and the western suburbs, easing pressure on overcrowded suburban rail lines and offering seamless integration with key transport hubs like Churchgate and CSMT.