Mumbai’s Aqua Line Phase 2A to launch in May, linking BKC to Worli; details

Mumbai's Metro Line 3, popularly known as Aqua Line, is set to major expansion as phase 2A, connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Worli's Acharya Atre Chowk, awaits final safety clearance. Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of MMRCL, confirmed that the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is expected to approve it within two days, paving the way for operations to begin.

Once cleared, this underground stretch will seamlessly connect two of Mumbai’s busiest commercial hubs, BKC and Worli, offering quicker, cleaner, and more sustainable travel. There’s strong speculation that the launch may align with Maharashtra Day on May 1 or coincide with Prime Minister's expected visit on May 2.

The extension builds on the success of Phase 1 (Aarey to BKC), which slashed commute times and encouraged a significant shift toward public transport. Once complete, Metro Line 3 will span 33.5 km, linking vital nodes across the city and benefiting up to one crore daily commuters.

Currently, Mumbai’s metro network covers 60 km, but MMRCL MD Ashwini Bhide shared plans for a major expansion to 374 km across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The full Aqua Line will connect six major business districts, 30 office clusters, and several key institutions, including schools, hospitals, and cultural centres, cementing its role as a game-changer in the city's public transport landscape.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), currently operating between Aarey and BKC, will follow revised service hours on April 25 and 26 due to technical upgrades. As per an official announcement on the metro’s X handle, trains will run from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM on Thursday and from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM on Friday.

Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, as these temporary changes come ahead of the expected service extension.