Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has commenced integrated Phase 1 trial runs of the city's first fully underground Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ). As per officials, Metro Line 3 (also known as the 'Aqua Line') will traverse through 27 stations, from Cuffe Parade to Aarey - along an overall stretch of 33.5 km.

During the ongoing trial run of Phase 1, from BKC to Aarey, various systems such as signal telecommunication, rolling stock (coach), track traction are being analysed. This phase encapsulates 10 stations, spread across 12.44 km and 9 metro trains, that will be available at a frequency of 6.5 minutes. It is estimated that Phase 1 will be functional by May 2024 and the entire corridor will be accessible from September 2024.

After the trial runs, the officials will need to acquire certifications from individual systems and the Independent Safety Accessor (ISA). Then, the system will be offered to the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for inspection, sanction and approval certificates.

“Once operational, Metro-3 will cater to 17 lakh passengers daily with an unfailing frequency of 3-4 minutes, ferrying approximately 2,500 passengers at a time,” said MMRCL official.