If you live in Mumbai and have not faced traffic, that’s impossible! Forget us Mumbaikars, this traffic does not even spare tourists. And if you mistakenly hit the highway during peak hours, well, then you are in real trouble!
There is some great news for Mumbaikars, especially for those in the south. Mumbai’s metro network is expanding, and this time, it’s South Mumbai’s turn to join the map.
Starting March, commuters can travel underground from Aarey to Worli in just 36 minutes, with fares ranging from ₹10 to ₹60. This much needed addition will provide a smooth, air conditioned alternative to the city’s chaotic roads and overcrowded local trains.
New metro stretch
The Metro Line 3, which initially connected Aarey to BKC, will now extend up to Worli Naka (Acharya Atre Chowk station), covering a 22 km underground route. This means faster and hassle free travel through key areas like Dharavi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, and Worli.
For ₹60, commuters can avoid bumper to bumper traffic on Lady Jamshedji Road and Dr Annie Besant Road and travel seamlessly.
Game changer for Mumbai’s transport
Officials from Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) see this as a much needed alternative to road transport, especially for those relying on expensive cabs or packed trains. While some connectivity gaps remain, like Dadar Metro station being a kilometre away from Dadar railway station, the metro still brings direct access to commercial hubs like BKC and Worli, which were previously reachable only via traffic clogged roads.
Phase I success and phase II expectations
The first phase of Metro 3, covering Aarey to BKC, began operations on 5 October 2023, attracting around 25,000 daily passengers, below initial projections but still a promising sign. With the extension to South Mumbai, officials expect a surge in ridership as more commuters choose the underground route over Mumbai’s congested roads.
Initially, Metro Line 3 was planned in two phases:
- Aarey to BKC
- BKC to Cuffe Parade
However, as construction progressed, engineers introduced crossovers at Worli (Acharya Atre Chowk) and CSMT, improving train reversals and overall flexibility.
Tunnelling under the Mithi River
Building this metro line was not easy, especially the challenging task of tunnelling under the Mithi River. The 1.8 km stretch between BKC and Dharavi passes directly beneath the riverbed for 1.2 km, requiring high tech solutions.
To handle the soft, waterlogged terrain, engineers used special earth pressure balance tunnel boring machines (EPB TBMs). They also installed hydrophilic gaskets, which expand on contact with water, ensuring a watertight passage.
Mumbai is not the first Indian city with a metro tunnel under a water body, Kolkata’s metro runs 30 metres below the Hooghly River, and Chennai’s metro passes under the Cooum River. However, Mumbai’s challenge was unique, as the river runs through one of the most densely populated urban areas.
Challenges at Worli’s Acharya Atre Chowk
Another major hurdle was constructing the Acharya Atre Chowk metro station, located at a busy traffic intersection. Massive civic utilities had to be supported using steel trusses, while traffic flow had to be managed efficiently.
With the Aarey to Worli stretch opening soon, Mumbai’s metro network is taking a big step forward. More phases are in the pipeline, promising better connectivity and a much-needed relief from road congestion.
For now, Mumbaikars can look forward to a faster, smoother, and more comfortable commute, at an affordable price!
