From enjoying trains every 6 minutes during peak hours on Aqua Line 3 to the BMC’s launch of a Hybrid Energy Project at Vaitarna Reservoir. Catch up with the latest updates of the city with this Mumbai News Roundup.
Cloudy skies and rain expected today
Today’s weather forecast predicts a rainy day in Mumbai, with a temperature around 28.43 °C. Expect a minimum of 27.92 °C and a maximum of 29.01 °C. The morning may begin with fog or mist, giving way to partly cloudy skies later on. Plan your day accordingly!
Catch a train every 6 minutes during peak hours on Aqua Line 3
The Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 will operate seven eight-car trains daily, with a frequency of six minutes and 40 seconds during peak morning and evening hours. At other times, trains will run every 15 to 20 minutes. One train will be on standby while another undergoes maintenance. The Metro Railway Safety Commissioner has completed the rolling stock tests, and civil work assessments should conclude within a day. The first phase of the metro is scheduled to launch on October 5th.
BMC introduced Hybrid Energy Project at Vaitarna Reservoir
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched an innovative hybrid energy project at the Hinduhridaya Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Middle Vaitarna Reservoir, combining floating solar energy with hydropower generation. Spearheaded by the Water Supply Project Department, this initiative aims to produce 26.5 MW of electricity, potentially saving the corporation around ₹9 crore annually. With necessary approvals underway, BMC anticipates construction to commence by January 2025.
Central Railway extends 104 special trains for Navratri and Diwali
Central Railway is extending the operation of 104 special long-distance trains between Dadar and Bhusaval to accommodate the increased passenger traffic during the Diwali season, following the Navratri festivities. This move aims to ease travel for the high number of passengers heading to their villages for various festivals. Reservations are available at all computerised centers and online via IRCTC. For detailed schedules, passengers can visit the Indian Railways website or download the NTES app.
Godfrey Pinto advocates for fair fares on Metro-3
Travelling on Mumbai’s first underground metro will come at a higher cost compared to the elevated lines. Passengers will need to pay around ₹50 for the 12.2 km underground route, while journeys on Metro 7 and Metro 2A cost only ₹20 for 12 km. Additionally, the 11.4 km Metro-1 corridor from Ghatkopar to Versova charges ₹40. Godfrey Pinto, a trustee of the Watchdog Foundation, is urging the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) to reconsider these fare rates.
MMRDA collaborates with IIT Bombay to improve safety measures on Atal Setu following suicides
In response to recent suicides from the Atal Setu bridge, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is consulting an expert committee from IIT Bombay for recommendations. They acknowledged the issue and are considering safety nets, but any long-term solutions must factor in environmental and engineering assessments. Since its January 2024 opening, five suicides have been reported on the bridge, which spans 21.8 km and significantly reduces travel time between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Mumbai tops residential sales among Indian cities in Q3 2024
According to Knight Frank India’s latest report, Mumbai led the residential market among eight Indian cities, with 24,222 units sold—up 9% year-on-year. The city launched 23,677 new units, and average prices increased by 6% to INR 8,056 per sq ft. Additionally, office transactions reached 2.7 million sq ft in Q3 2024, with India-facing businesses driving 73% of leasing activity.
