It’s not every day that a Mumbaikar can zip from the ever-bustling Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi in just 15 minutes—without encountering a single traffic signal or honking horn. But today, I did exactly that, aboard Mumbai’s brand-new underground Metro Line 3.
As the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) inaugurated the 9.77-km Phase 2A stretch of Metro Line 3 between BKC and Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli for commercial operations, I was among the first few to experience the city's newest underground marvel, a day in advance.
From the moment I stepped into the BKC station, I could tell this wasn’t just another metro ride. The station felt more like an airport terminal—well-lit, spacious, and clean. Signages in Marathi, Hindi, and English guided passengers easily through the concourse. The ticket counters were efficient, and the entry gates were seamless. A clear, digital route map and real-time updates made navigating the journey a breeze.
Inside the train, it was a world of calm. The completely air-conditioned coach was cool and welcoming. There were no jerks—just a smooth glide through Mumbai’s underbelly passing below the Mithi River and densely populated urban clusters. But you’d never guess it from inside the coach. The silence and stability were, in fact, almost surreal.
This tranquility is the result of some serious engineering. For the first time in India, the “Twin Booted Low Vibration Track – High Attenuation” system has been used to cut down operational noise and vibration. Japan-imported Head Hardened rails, these tracks help mute the typical vibrations one might expect.
BKC-Worli stretch of the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line-3 inauguration | FPJ/ Salman Ansari
Seating in the train is longitudinal with lumbar support, and there are dedicated wheelchair spaces for the differently-abled. Digital route maps, audio announcements, and LCD screens for travel information and advertisements are present in each coach. Safety has been given priority—with CCTV surveillance, fire detection systems, and full-height platform screen doors at underground stations.
Seating in the train | FPJ/ Salman Ansari
The Siddhivinayak station itself is a modern wonder. With baby-changing stations in the washrooms, wide escalators, and ventilation that actually works, it felt less like a public transport facility and more like a modern urban space designed with real people in mind.
Metro Line 3 is more than just another transport project. Once fully operational by August, it will connect Cuffe Parade to Aarey via 27 stations and is expected to ease the load on Mumbai’s stretched suburban network and chaotic road traffic.
