Line 3 (Mumbai Metro)

Line of the Mumbai Metro

Line 3 (Aqua Line)

Overview
Other name(s)| Metro 3
Colaba–Bandra-SEEPZ line[1]
Status| Under construction[2]
Owner| Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRC)
Locale| Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Termini|

* Aarey Depot
* Nofra
(approved extension)

Stations| 28
(including the approved extension)
Website| MMRCL
Service
Type| Rapid transit
System| Mumbai Metro
Depot(s)| Aarey Colony
Rolling stock| Alstom Metropolis[3][4]
History
Planned opening| 5 October 2024; 3 days' time (2024-10-05) (Phase 1)
March 2025 (2025-March) (Phase 2)
Technical
Line length| 33.5 km (20.8 mi)
Number of tracks| 2
Character| Underground
Track gauge| 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification| Overhead 25 kV AC

Route map

Legend

Line 3

|  |  |

|
|
|
|

|  |

|  |  to Line 6
|  |

|  |

Aarey Colony depot

|  |

0.000

| Aarey Colony
|  |

|  |
|  |

|  |
|  |

|  | SEEPZ Village on  Line 6
|  |

0.780

| SEEPZ
|  |

1.996

| MIDC
|  |

3.176

| Marol Naka on Line 1 - Blue Line
|  |

|  | to  Line 8
|  |

4.189

| CSMIA International
|  |

|  |  to Line 7 - Red Line
|  |

5.141

| Sahar Road
|  |

|  |

Sahar Road

|  |

6.850

| CSMIA Domestic
|  |

|  |  towards Dahanu Road
|  |

8.995

| Santacruz and Santacruz on  Western Line
|  |

|  |  towards Churchgate
|  |

|  |

Vakola Nala

|  |

10.004

| Vidyanagri
|  |

|  |

Vakola Nala

|  |

11.244

| Income Tax Office (BKC) on Line 2 - Yellow Line
|  |

|  |

Mithi River

|  |

|  |

Sion-Bandra Link Road

|  |

13.054

| Dharavi
|  |

|  |  Western Line
|  |

14.785

| Shitladevi Temple
|  |

16.460

| Dadar
|  |

17.864

| Siddhivinayak Temple
|  |

19.421

| Worli
|  |

20.878

| Acharya Atrey Chowk
|  |

21.937

| Science Museum
|  |

|  |  Western Line Dahanu Road
|  |

23.100

| Mahalaxmi and  | Jacob Circle

on Line 1 (Mumbai Monorail)
|  |

24.196

| Mumbai Central
|  |

25.112

| Grant Road
|  |

26.645

| Girgaon
|  |

27.364

| Kalbadevi
|  |

|  | towards  Kalyan and Panvel
|  |

28.246

| CSMT and CSMT on | Central Line

and Harbour line
|  |

|  |  to Line 11
|  |

29.061

| Hutatma Chowk
|  |

29.982

| Churchgate and Churchgate on  Western Line
|  |

30.748

| Vidhan Bhavan
|  |

32.186

| Cuffe Parade
|  |  |  |  |  |

Line 3 (Aqua Line) of the Mumbai Metro is a rapid transit metro line in the city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.[5][6] When completed, the 33.5 km (20.8 mi) long line will be the first underground metro line in Mumbai,[7] with 27 underground stations and one at-grade station.[8] The line will run from Navy Nagar in the far-south of Mumbai to Aarey Depot in the north-centre, and will include connections to other metro lines, monorail, suburban rail, inter-city rail, and Mumbai's International Airport.[9] Line 3 is expected to reduce road congestion as well as the load on the Western Line between Bandra and Churchgate.[10][11][12]

The project is being implemented, and will be operated, by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL). The total cost of this line is estimated at ₹30,000 crore (US$3.6 billion). The project is being funded by five major groups: MMRCL, Padeco, MMRDA, CREC, and JICA; the last of which provided a soft loan of ₹13,235 crore (US$1.6 billion)[13][14][15]

The section of the line between Bandra Kurla Complex and Dharavi stations includes a 170-metre (560 ft) long twin-tunnel passing under the Mithi river. One of the tunnels was completed in March 2020.[16] This will be the second under-river metro rail tunnel in India after the tunnel underneath the Hooghly river on Kolkata Metro Line 2.[17] The project's first phase will commence on 5 October 2024.[18]

The construction of this metro route faced hurdles from environmentalists and activists lodging numerous PILs over cutting of trees in various region accompanied with a larger protest in Aarey over the carshed construction. PILs were either dismissed or didn't succeed as both the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court cited the importance of the metro project.[19][20]

## Background

[edit]

A 20 km (12 mi) metro line from Colaba to Bandra was announced in January 2004, as part of a master plan unveiled by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The plan encompassed a total of 146 kilometres (91 mi) of track, of which 32 kilometres (20 mi) was proposed to be underground. The MMRDA unveiled plans for an extended Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ metro line in 2011. According to its earlier plans, a 20 km (12 mi) metro line from Colaba to Bandra was to be constructed, running underground for 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Colaba to Mahalaxmi, and then on an elevated track from Mahalaxmi to Bandra. The MMRDA decided to extend the line to the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport to increase ridership. The 33.5-kilometre (20.8 mi) Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ line was estimated to cost ₹21,000 crore (US$2.5 billion),[21] have 27 stations, and would be the city's first fully underground metro line.[22] at Nariman Point, BKC, MIDC, SEEPZ, and elsewhere.[23] According to the MMRDA, an underground metro will minimise land acquisition and disturbance to traffic during construction compared to an elevated metro.[24]

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRC), registered under provisions of Company Act, 1956, was constituted as a fully owned company of the MMRDA on 30 April 2008, as per state government directives.[25] On 27 February 2012, the Central Government gave in-principle approval to the plan for Line 3.[26] In April 2012, the MMRDA announced plans to grant the MMRC increased management autonomy, in an effort to enhance the project's operational efficiency.[27]

## Funding

[edit]

In early 2012, the MMRDA conducted talks with officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) to finance or construct the line's three stations at the airport and GVK SkyCity, a proposed nearby commercial development.[21][28] Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) agreed to bear the cost of constructing the three stations, which was expected to total ₹777 crore. MIAL was willing to contribute to the metro's construction because of the potential increase in passenger convenience.[29] In 2014, MIAL estimated the cost of developing the metro lines in the airport as ₹518 crore.[28] MIAL inserted a 'metro component' in the User Development Fee charged at Mumbai Airport from 2016 to February 2023 to raise this amount. The charges of Rs 20 and Rs 120 per domestic and international departure respectively, were levied until the target sum was raised.[30]

Line 3 approved funding pattern  Source[31] | Amount (₹crores) | Share (%)

|
|

Equity by Centre | 2,403 | 10.4
Equity by MMRC and State | 2,403 | 10.4
Sub debt by Centre | 1,025 | 4.4
Sub debt by State | 1,615 | 7
Property development and impact fee | 1,000 | 4.3
Stakeholder contribution (MIAL) | 777 | 3.4
ASIDE funding / MMRDA grant | 679 | 2.9
JICA loan | 13,235 | 57.2
Total | 23,136 | 100

In August 2012, the Urban Development Ministry rejected the Planning Commission's proposal to implement Line 3 in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode, having found the mode unsatisfactory for the Delhi Airport Metro Express. The ministry instead proposed a funding pattern with a ratio of 20:80 between the Centre and the State. Of the State equity, 45% was proposed to be through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).[32]

In 2016, JICA commenced providing financial assistance for the project in the form of a soft loan through the MOUD (Ministry of urban development) as a "pass through assistance" at an annual rate of interest of 1.4% (interest free for monies given to consultants).[33] This amounts to ₹13,235 crore (US$1.6 billion) for the ₹23,136 crore (US$2.8 billion) project.[7][34] JICA will fund 57.2% of the equity.[31] The soft loan has an interest rate of 1.44%.[35][36] The other finance will come from the central and state equity of 10.4% each, sub-debt by the central government (4.4%), sub-debt by the state (7%), property development and impact fee (4.3%), stakeholder contribution from the Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (3.4%) and MMRDA grant/aside funding (2.9%).[37]

In March 2019, the MMRC managing director Ashwini Bhide stated that the actual completion cost of the project is ₹30,000 crore (US$3.6 billion).[38]

## Planning

[edit]

The Union Cabinet granted clearance to Line 3 on 27 June 2013.[39][40] The Cabinet also decided to convert Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), the existing state-level special purpose vehicle formed to implement metro projects, into a joint venture company of the state and central governments with equity participation.[41] The MMRC's board consists of five members each from state and central governments.[10] The MMRDA presented their metro line plan to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on 13 February 2014.[42]

Line 3 was approved by the state cabinet on 26 February 2014.[43] Line 3 is being implemented through the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model.[44] The foundation stone for the project was laid by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in a bhoomi pujan ceremony at Andheri on 26 August 2014, in the presence of Union Urban Development minister Venkaiah Naidu.[45][46] The move was described by the media as a cosmetic gesture, as the developers of the project had not yet been decided and actual construction was expected to begin only by December 2014.[47][48] The date of the ceremony was a few days before the code of conduct for the 2014 State Assembly elections would come into force, which would prohibit the ruling Congress-NCP government from politicising the ceremony.[48][49] Some citizens protested against the State government at the ground breaking site. They protested the slow implementation and cost escalation of the Mumbai Metro project.[50] Tendering for the project was delayed by the re-organization of the MMRC from a wholly owned entity of the State Government, to a joint venture between the Union and State Governments. Although the State Government received the file for reconstituting the company in October 2013, it gave approval only in July 2014.[51]

In December 2014, the MMRC appointed a consortium led by Hong Kong-based AECOM Asia, in a joint venture with Padeco, Japan, LBG Inc. USA and Egis Rail, France as the general consultants for the implementation of the Line 3 project.[52][53] The agreement between the two parties was signed on 26 May 2015.[54] On 6 July 2015, the MMRC unveiled a new logo, designed by Design Orb, for Line 3. UPS Madan, Director, MMRC and Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, explained, "The earlier logo was designed with an elevated Metro-3 corridor in mind as was planned originally. The new logo presents the organisation more appropriately as its more relevant, fresh and robust". He also noted that the earlier logo had been designed while the MMRC was owned by the State Government, while it was now a joint venture between the State and the Centre.[55]

The MMRC will have to rehabilitate 2,807 families for the project. Most of the families were relocated to Kurla and Chakala.[56] The MMRC also provided free hotel accommodation to people residing in old, dilapidated buildings along the metro corridor that were in danger of collapsing during tunneling work. The majority of such buildings were located in the Girgaum-Kalbadevi belt in South Mumbai.[57][58]

In March 2022, the Government of Maharashtra announced plans to extend Line 3 southbound from Cuffe Parade, adding one new station – Navy Nagar.[59] The extension would be 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long, and would cost an additional ₹2,301 crore (US$280 million).[60] In August 2022, the MMRCL invited bids for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the extension.[61]

### Bidding

[edit]

The MMRC called for pre-qualification bids in September 2013.[51] Bidders for the work on tunnels and stations were to submit their bids by 30 October 2013.[62][63] On 31 January 2014, the bid document was modified and the annual turnover requirement was reduced to "average annual construction turnover of not less than USD 175 million defined as billing for civil infrastructure work completed or in progress over the last five years ending on March 2013". Sanjay Sethi, managing director of MMRC, stated, "The annual turnover requirement must have been set with the idea of attracting specific companies to the project. However, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) felt that consortia or joint ventures are a combination of management contractors and construction contractors. In all Metro projects, the annual turnover is the starting point for bidding based on which we should not restrict applications. The issue was also raised by several potential bidders."[64][65] The last date for the submission of pre-qualification bids was extended to 10 March 2014.[66] Fourteen pre-qualification bids were received for the design and construction of underground stations and tunnels for Line 3. The 14 bidders were: Afcon-KMB, CEC-ITD Cementation India-TPL, CTCEC-Pan India Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, Dogus-Soma Constructions, IL&FS-CR256 (China Railway), JKumar-CRTG, Larsen & Toubro-STEC, Mosmetrostory-Hindustan Construction Company, OHL-SK Engineering & Construction, Pratibha-GDYT Consortium, Sacyr-CMC-Essar, Salin Impreglio-Gammon, Strabag-AG-Patel Engineering and Unity Infrastructure-IVRCL-CTG.[67][68][44][69] Tenders to construct the car depot at Aarey colony were floated by the MMRC in July 2014.[70]

Of the 14 consortia that submitted pre-qualification bids, 9 were shortlisted in September 2014. According to Sanjay Sethi, managing director of MMRC, "We have finalised the list of companies eligible for bidding after getting an approval from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is providing more than 50 per cent of funds for the project. The companies that were declared ineligible mostly fell short in technical experience.[51] The tender for construction of Line 3 received was split into seven packages, each consisting of a 4–5 km (2.5–3.1 mi) long twin tunnel. The tender floated by the MMRC received 31 bids from 9 consortiums. The first four packages received 4 bids each, while the next three packages received 5, 7 and 3 bids respectively. The 9 consortia were AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd. - Kyivmetrobud, Continental Engineering Corporation - ITD Cementation India Ltd - Tata Projects Ltd, DOGUS - SOMA, IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company Ltd - China Railway 25th Bureau Group Co.Ltd, J.Kumar Infraprojects Ltd - China Railway No.3 Engineering Group Co. Ltd, Larsen & Toubro Ltd/Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co. Ltd, OSJC Moscow Metrostroy - Hindustan Construction Co.Ltd, Pratibha Industries Ltd - Guandong Yuantian Engineering Co., and Unity Infraprojects Ltd - IVRCL Ltd - China Railway Tunnel Group Co. Ltd.[71][72]

Contracts for all seven packages were awarded by August 2016.[73][74] Each package costs about ₹2,221 crore (US$270 million) and includes around 6.8 km (4.2 mi) twin tunnels and 5 stations.[75]

In January 2017, the MMRC floated tenders worth ₹328 crore for the construction of the depot, a metro station, work workshop buildings at Aarey Colony and a vehicular underpass along the Marol Maroshi Road, with other allied works.[76] The contract was awarded to New Delhi-based Sam (India) Builtwell Pvt. Ltd. in June 2017. The contract also includes the construction of about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) of storm water drains, a rain water harvesting system and the diversion of a 1,200 mm (47 in) diameter MCGM water pipeline.[77] Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2020.[78]

Package  | Stations[71] | Method  | Cost  | Contractors[73][74]

|
|
|
|

1 (Cuffe Parade–Hutatma Chowk)  | Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate  | Cut-and-cover | ₹29.9 billion (US$360 million)  | Larsen & Toubro and Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co.
Hutatma Chowk  | NATM
2 (CSMT Metro–Grant Road)  | CSMT Metro  | Cut-and-cover  | ₹25.2 billion (US$300 million)  | Hindustan Construction Co and Moscow Metrostroy
Grant Road, Kalabadevi, Girgaon  | NATM
3 (Mumbai Central–Worli)  | Central Metro, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum,
Worli, Acharya Atre Chowk  | C&C  | ₹25.6 billion (US$310 million)  | Doğuş and Soma
4 (Siddhivinayak–Sitaladevi)  | Siddhivinayak, Dadar  | C&C  | ₹28.3 billion (US$340 million)  | Continental Engineering Corp, ITD Cementation and Tata Projects
Sitaladevi  | NATM
5 (Dharavi–Santacruz)  | Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagari  | C&C  | ₹28.2 billion (US$340 million)  | J Kumar Infraprojects and China Railway Tunnel Group
Santacruz  | NATM
6 (CSIA–CSA International)  | Domestic Airport, Sahar Airport, International Airport  | C&C  | ₹21.2 billion (US$250 million)
7 (Marol Naka–SEEPZ)  | Marol Naka  | NATM  | ₹22.8 billion (US$270 million)  | Larsen & Toubro and Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co.
MIDC, SEEPZ  | C&C
Aarey Colony  | Aarey Depot  | At grade  | ₹328 crore (US$39 million)  | Sam (India) Builtwell Pvt. Ltd.

## Environmental damage and safety issues

[edit]

### Green cover loss and harm to biodiversity

[edit]

The project will affect 5,012 trees, of which 1,331 will be cut and the remaining 3,681 will re-planted in other parts of the city.[79][80] Per the terms of the contracts awarded to various consortia, they are in-charge of transplanting affected trees and planting new trees to make up for those cut down. The contract requires consortia to plant three times the number of trees cut down for the project, and maintain them for a period of at least 3 years. The consortium of Tata Projects, ITD Cementation and CEC Taiwan, which won the contract to construct the package 4, pledged to construct 4 times more trees than it was required to plant under the contract. The work on package 4, the section between Siddhivinayak Temple and Mahim, required the felling of 150 trees. The consortium pledged that it would plant 2,000 trees instead of the required 450.[81]

On 28 February 2017, the MMRC announced that it would donate 25,000 saplings to housing societies, hospitals, and schools located along the metro line. The MMRC stated that the donation was in addition to compulsory tree plantation required by MCGM regulations.[82] In January 2017, the MMRC hired arborist Simon Leong from Singapore to serve as a tree consultant on the project. Leong will provide his services for a six-month period at a rate of $33,000 per month.[83] The MMRC donated 16,000 saplings at 25 different locations under its Project Neighbourhood initiative on 11 April 2017.[84][85]

MMRC Director Ashwini Bhide criticized the controversy over the tree felling required for the project saying that infrastructure could not be built without cutting down trees. Bhide stated that the metro had been designed to minimize the loss of trees, and that 3 times more trees would be planted to make up for the loss. Bhide further explained that the 5,000 trees proposed to be cut for Metro 3 would reduce carbon dioxide by 6,100 kg, while reduction in vehicle usage as a result of Metro 3 would reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 9.9 million kg.[86] Bhide also stated that the MMRC had considered building the depot at Kalina and Kanjurmarg but decided against it due to lack of availability of land and potential legal disputes involving land in the area.[87][88]

On 4 October 2019 after Bombay High Court dismissed the petitions rejecting application for stay on tree cutting at Aarey in the morning.[89]

### Threat of flooding

[edit]

A technical expert committee appointed by the state had reported in May 2015 that if the car shed is built and the land in Aarey is concretised, the excess water during rains will run off into Mithi and flood the Airport and Chakala area since Aarey acts as a catchment area for the Mithi river. The experts, Dr Rakesh Kumar, director, National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI) and Dr. Shyam Asolekar, Professor at IIT-Bombay prepared a note on the same and submitted it to the Tree Authority before their meeting to take decision to give permission for felling of trees in September 2019.[90]

### Safety issues due to construction

[edit]

In September 2019, one man died and one injured in an accident in the tunnel shaft. This occurred between the SEEPZ station and the ramp near Aarey Forest (Prajapurpada & Sariput Nagar area).

In November 2019, a building (Laxmi Niwas) near the Sitladevi station, sank at least 6mm due to piling and soil excavation work. 25 families had to be evacuated and shifted to temporary shelters in hotels.[91] Residents have suffered and have complained about the cracks that developed due to the construction work.[92] Within one week of this incident, another building, Meher Manzil on LJ road in Mahim, also sank. Sea water has entered the foundation and corroded the pillars.[93] Cracks had developed long before but the sinking of the foundation itself scared the residents and they moved out due to fear.[94]

The 120 year old, grade-I heritage structure that serves as the Western Railway Headquarter was reported to be under threat in December 2019 from the regular underground blasts at the Oval Maidan site of the Metro. The employees have complained that the frequency of the blasts have increased and the building shakes like a mini earthquake. Architects expressed concern over safety measures and precautions taken by MMRCL.[95]

## Legal Issues

[edit]

### Tree conservation

[edit]

On 9 February 2017, the Bombay High Court issued an interim order prohibiting the MMRDA from cutting trees for the project. The Court was hearing two PILs filed by Mina Verma and Pravin Jehangir. Verma's PIL concerned tree felling in Churchgate, Colaba and Cuffe Parade, and Jehangir challenged the use of public lands for construction of the line.[96][97][98] On 10 March 2017, the Court ordered the MMRC to furnish documents proving that it had received necessary clearance from the MoEF to construct the proposed stations of Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate and Cuffe Parade, or documents to prove that no clearances were required. The order was in response to the petitioner's claim that the MoEF had rejected the MMRC's request to construct the 3 stations. The MMRC responded that no clearance was required to construct the stations.[99][100] On 16 March, the Court issued a notice to the MoEF asking it to clarify whether it had granted clearance to the MMRC to construct nine stations.[101] The petitioner had pointed out that all nine stations fell under the Coastal Regulatory Zones II and III.[102] On 12 April, the MMRDA filed its reply to petition declaring that the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SIEAA) had granted it permission to construct stations in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas.[103] The court directed the MMRDA and MMRC to submit all relevant supporting documents by 24 April.[104] On 3 May, the Bombay High Court declared that the metro was crucial to ease traffic congestion in Mumbai. However, the court reserved its stay on tree felling stating that it would consider "what is more important - life of a human being or the life of tree".[105][106] On 5 May, the High Court vacated its stay on tree felling for Metro 3. The Court declared that Metro 3 would help improve the environment and the socio-economic conditions of the city. It also observed that a balance had to be found between environmental protection and development, and that taking a "harsh stand, which the petitioners want" would make it "impossible to conduct development work".[107][108][109]

On 8 May, the petitioners filed a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court ruling. On 15 May 2017, the Supreme Court issued a stay on tree felling for the project until 18 May.[110][111]

### Aarey land issue

[edit]

In 2015,[112] the state government announced plans to construct the metro depot, where metro coaches will be parked, on an 81-acre plot of land in Aarey Colony.[113] Authorities also intended to construct a labour camp for construction workers and a centralised operation control centre for the entire Mumbai Metro network at Aarey Colony. The construction would require the felling of more than 2,000 trees in the area. Environmental groups Vanashakti and Aarey Conservation Group (ACG) filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in January 2015 requesting that the Aarey Colony be protected as a no-development zone. On 5 December 2016, the Union Environment Ministry issued a notification declaring the area up to 4 km from the boundary of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to be an eco-sensitive zone. The notification excluded 165 hectares of land in Aarey, in order to permit the construction of Line 3. However, the notification declared that the exclusion was sub-ordinate to any orders from the judiciary or the NGT.[114][115]

The NGT's Pune bench passed an order temporarily staying all construction activities in Aarey on 19 December 2016. On 5 January 2017, the NGT granted an exemption permitting the MMRC to construct a casting yard on a 3-hectare plot of land owned by the State Government in Aarey. A tribunal bench ordered the forest department to provide a detailed map of Aarey Colony, and to declare whether any portion of the region had been identified as forests. In 1997, as part of a Supreme Court directive, State Governments had prepared a detailed map of urban forest cover. The forest department failed to provide the details at the next hearing, and on 17 February 2017, the NGT extended its stay on all construction activities up to 17 March 2017.[114] On 29 March, the state forest department informed the NGT that 1,279.74 ha of land at Aarey had been used for non-forest activities since 1949, and therefore "cannot be declared a forest land because it is not a forest". The department clarified that although 1,114.74 ha of land had been declared as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) by the Union environment ministry on 5 December 2016, the notification excluded the land given to the MMRC and certain other areas. The department also stated that it would submit a list of survey numbers identifying Aarey as a non-forest area at the NGT's next hearing on 10 April.[116] At the hearing on 10 April, the forest department stated that it was unable to locate its report on Aarey that would help prove that it was not "forest land", and requested an extension. The request was denied by the NGT.[117][118] On 24 April, the Tribunal ordered the additional solicitor general to appear before it on 3 May and clarify the MoEF's position on approval for Metro 3.[119]

Due to the issues surrounding the land at Aarey, Larsen & Toubro and Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co., the consortium that was awarded the seventh package to carry out construction on the MIDC-Aarey Depot section of the line, exited the contract. The MMRC stated that the appointment of a new contractor would escalate the project cost by an addition ₹10 crore (US$1.2 million).[115] The Court stated that it would determine if the cutting of nearly 5,000 trees for the project was necessary.[120]

On 18 February 2017, Fadnavis directed the MMRDA to consider constructing the depot at Kanjurmarg or Kalina.[121] A few weeks later, MMRC officials stated that the proposed depot could not be built at Mumbai University land in Kalina because the available area was too small. The MMRC insisted that the depot should be built at Aarey, but proposed a new design which would allow the depot to be construct on 25 hectares of land as compared to the 33 hectares required by the old design.[122][123][124] The new design will reduce the number of trees to be cut by 1,000.[125]

In March 2017, E. Sreedharan wrote to Chief Minister Fadnavis requesting him to ensure clearance for proposed metro depot at Aarey. Sreedharan wrote, "Metro projects are environmentally most friendly and setting up a carshed in Aarey is not going to be a threat either to the government or to the eco system. The main objection would be against cutting of trees, for which compensatory afforestation on a liberal scale can be insisted upon."[126]

According reports in the media, the MMRC brought machinery to conduct soil testing work for constructing ramps in Aarey on 23 March. However, local business owners protested the work, alleging that the NGT had stayed all construction activities in Aarey. The MMRC stated that the stay only applied to construction of the car depot, and not the ramps. Due to the protests, contractors removed all machinery from the site on 25 March 2017.[127][128][129] MMRC began soil testing at Aarey on 30 March 2017, under police protection. The work area was cordoned off and surrounded by 50 Mumbai Police personnel.[130][131][132]

On 16 April 2019, the Supreme Court rejected a petition filed the Aarey Conservation Group, a non-government organisation, seeking an alternative site to construct the depot. The Court observed that the MMRC had already considered alternate options and deemed them unviable. A separate petition filed by the same NGO, which had been dismissed by the Bombay High Court in October 2018, is still pending before the Supreme Court.[133] On 4 October 2019, Bombay High Court dismissed the petitions rejecting application for stay on tree cutting at Aarey in the morning.[89] On 7 October 2019, the Supreme Court stayed the tree cutting and ordered to maintain status quo until further notice.[134] On 29 November 2019 a day after Uddhav Thackeray became Chief Minister of Maharashtra, he put a stay on car shed work.[135] Uddhav Thackeray then on 11 December 2019 appointed a committee to explore an alternative location for the shed.[136] On 29 January 2020, the committee after studying suggested to lift the stay as they found no viable alternatives for car shed saying that MMRCL's arguments were valid.[137]

In July 2022, when the new government came under the leadership of Eknath Shinde \- Devendra Fadnavis the carshed was shifted back to Aarey as 25% work was already completed and Kanjurmarg was found not viable as it was very far from the metro line which could have led to higher cost and energy and also the ownership of the Kanjurmarg plot also led to disputes. Finally, on 21 July the stay order for the construction was retracted by the government and the construction resumed. This delay and other issues like the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in high cost overruns in thousands of crores in rupees and also delayed the opening of the line by at least 2 years.

## Construction

[edit]

### Agencies involved

[edit]

Construction of the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz metro involves a number of large national and supra national entities and sub contractors.[138] These sub contractors, mostly involved in the tunneling works and mostly joint ventures include L&T-STEC (A joint venture between Larsen & Toubro India and STEC a large Chinese infrastructure company based in Shanghai),[139] CEC-ITD CEM-TPL, Dogus-Soma, HCC-MMS and J.Kumar-CRTG.[140] More than 100 Sub contractors and third parties have been used for various construction and relocation works including tunneling, boring, diversion of pipelines, realty consultancy and land acquisition.[141]

### Tunnels

[edit]

Two 5.85 metre diameter twin tunnels of 33.5 km each were dug at a depth of 20–25 metres. Seventeen tunnel boring machines (TBMs), each weighing around 1400 tonnes and costing ₹120 crore (US$14 million), were used to dig tunnels and record 41 breakthroughs.[142] The TBMs were lowered through shafts or pits using a specialized crane. Pre-cast segments were put on the tunnels' diameter to prevent cave ins, after the TBMs bore 1.2 metres. Tunnels would have to be dug through a mix of soil and basalt rock, and was expected to be difficult.[143][144] After TBMs bore through a section, the metro tunnel will be lined with pre-cast concrete rings to strengthen the tunnels. Boring and placing rings occurs sequentially. For the entire Metro 3 corridor, around 40,000 concrete rings were cast in 65 moulds. Casting of the rings took place at six casting yards - four in Wadala, one each at Darga, and on the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR). The first concrete ring was fabricated at a Wadala casting yard on 7 March 2017.[145][146]

Underground construction was carried out at an average depth of 15 to 25 meters.[8][147] The Hutatma Chowk, Kalbadevi, Girgaum, Grant Road, Shitladevi, Santacruz and Marol Naka stations were constructed by the New Austrian Tunnelling method, while the other 20 stations were constructed by the cut-and-cover method.[148] In the latter method, the ground is dug, the entire station constructed, and finally the top is covered.[42] Underground utilities were shifted to construct the line, as it is completely underground.[149]

The section of the line between Bandra Kurla Complex and Dharavi stations includes a 170 metre long tunnel passing under the Mithi river. The underwater tunnel is located at a depth of 15–20 metres beneath the river bed.[150][151] A stabling line, at a depth of 12–13 meters below the river bed was also constructed. The stabling line extends up to BKC station, and will be used for stabling and reversing of trains.[17]

Construction work on the project began on 21 October 2016.[152][153] The work faced delays due to several legal disputes.[115] In March 2017, MMRC officials stated that they were unable to proceed with full scale construction activities due to legal issues, and that contractors were currently carrying out other activities such as shifting utilities, geo-technical surveys, and fabricating pre-cast segments. Officials further added that if construction did not begin within one month, the project cost would escalate at the rate ₹4 crore (US$480,000) per day and would result in higher passenger fares.[154] Authorities began full scale construction activities on 18 May 2017.[155][156]

The alignment of Metro 3 at Chira Bazar in Marine Lines runs parallel to a Parsi fire temple. The trust that manages the temple forbids the entry of non-Parsis into the temple. As a result, contractors were unable to the enter the temple premises to map the location and conduct a building condition survey before beginning construction of the line. The trust instead requested the MMRC to hire a Parsi engineer to carry out the necessary work in the temple premises. The MMRC officials accepted the request and stated that it would work with temple authorities to avoid offending any religious beliefs and sentiments. However, with only about 57,000 Parsis residing in Mumbai, the agency faced difficulty completing the task.[157][158]

Tunneling work on the corridor was expected to begin by October 2017.[159] An estimated 6 million cubic metres of rubble was to be excavated during tunneling, which would be sent to quarries on the outskirts of Mumbai. The rubble included basalt rock of good quality that could be re-used in construction.[160] Initial plans called for the rubble to be used for the foundation of the Shiv Smarak monument, and the proposed Mumbai coastal road project,[161] but delays associated with the monument made this unlikely.[162]

On 10 July 2018, the MMRDA announced that it had completed 5,100 metres of tunneling for the corridor within the first year since the project was initiated.[163][164] Around 10 km of tunneling was completed by September 2018,[165] and 20 km by February 2019.[166][167] The MMRCL reported that 23.9 km of the 52 km tunnelling work had been completed by the end of March 2019, or about 45% of total tunnelling work.[168] As of 17 December 2020, 91% of total tunneling work is complete.[169]

On 19 March 2020, MMRCL announced that it has achieved its 27th breakthrough out of the planned 41 breakthroughs. The section between BKC and Dharavi also marked the First underwater tunnel across the Mithi River.[170] Pending tunneling across the Mithi river between Dharavi and BKC was completed on 19 August 2020, marking 29th such breakthrough.[171]

On 16 August 2019, Chief Minister Fadnavis revealed the model for the rolling stock for Line 3 and announced that the line would be called the Aqua Line as the exterior and interior of the train feature an aqua colour scheme.[172] The first trial run of the metro line was flagged off Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the 3 km stretch between Sariput Nagar in Aarey Colony and Marol Naka stations on 30 August 2022.[173][174]

## Stations and interchange connections

[edit]

There will be 27 stations on Line 3. Only the northern terminus, Aarey Depot, will be at grade. All the other 26 stations will be underground.[148] Stations will be equipped with platform screen doors.[175]

Under the original plan, there was to be no direct connectivity between the airport and the metro. Commuters would have been required to exit the underground stations, return to ground level and cross a road to reach the airport. Upon reviewing the plan, Chief Minister Fadnavis directed the MMRC to redesign the stations to provide direct access between the underground and the airport as well as the Mumbai Central railway station.[176]

### Interchanges

[edit]

Passenger interchange facilities, connecting to other railway lines, will be provided at the following stations:[37]

* Churchgate (connects to the Western suburban railway line towards Virar and beyond);
* Mumbai Central (connects to two lines: the Western suburban railway line towards Virar and beyond; also to the National Rail Network for travel to cities across India);
* Mahalaxmi (connects to two lines: the Western suburban railway line and the Mumbai Monorail);
* CSMT (connects to three lines: the Central suburban line towards Thane and beyond; the Harbour suburban line towards Panvel via Vashi; and to the National Rail Network, because this is a major terminus for trains going to other cities across India);
* Marol Naka (connects to Line-1 of Mumbai Metro which runs between Ghatkopar and Versova via this station, Marol)
* Income Tax Office (BKC) (connects to Line-2 of Mumbai Metro which runs between Dahisar and Mankhurd via this station, Bandra-Kurla Complex)

### List of stations

[edit]

Aqua Line 3

#  | Station Name[177] | Opening[178] | Connections  | Layout
English | Marathi
1 | Aarey Colony | आरे कॉलनी | October 2024 | None | At-Grade
2 | SEEPZ | सीप्झ | October 2024 | Line 6 (Under Construction) | Underground
3 | MIDC | एमआयडीसी | October 2024 | None | Underground
4 | Marol Naka | मरोळ नाका | October 2024 | Line 1 - Blue Line | Underground
5 | CSMIA International | छ.शि.म.आं.वि. ट-२ | October 2024 | Line 7 - Red Line (Under Construction)

Line 8 (Proposed)

| Underground
6 | Sahar Road | सहार रोड | October 2024 | None | Underground
7 | CSMIA Domestic | छ.शि.म.आं.वि. ट-१ | October 2024 | None | Underground
8 | Santacruz | सांताक्रूझ | October 2024 | None | Underground
9 | Vidyanagri | विद्यानगरी | October 2024 | None | Underground
10 | Income Tax Office (BKC) | वांद्रे कुर्ला कॉम्प्लेक्स (बीकेसी) | October 2024 | Line 2 - Yellow Line (Under Construction) | Underground
11 | Dharavi | धारावी | May 2025 | None | Underground
12 | Shitladevi Temple | शितलादेवी मंदिर | May 2025 | None | Underground
13 | Dadar | दादर | May 2025 | Western Line
Central Line
Indian Railways | Underground
14 | Siddhivinayak Temple | सिद्धिविनायक मंदिर | May 2025 | None | Underground
15 | Worli | वरळी | May 2025 | None | Underground
16 | Acharya Atrey Chowk | आचार्य अत्रे चौक | May 2025 | None | Underground
17 | Science Museum | विज्ञान संग्रहालय | May 2025 | None | Underground
18 | Mahalaxmi | महालक्ष्मी | May 2025 | Western Line
Monorail | Underground
19 | Mumbai Central | मुंबई सेंट्रल | May 2025 | Western Line
Indian Railways | Underground
20 | Grant Road | ग्रँट रोड | May 2025 | Western Line | Underground
21 | Girgaon | गिरगाव | May 2025 | None | Underground
22 | Kalbadevi | काळबादेवी | May 2025 | None | Underground
23 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज टर्मिनस | May 2025 | Central Line
Harbour Line
Indian Railways
Line 11 (Planned) | Underground
24 | Hutatma Chowk | हुतात्मा चौक | May 2025 | None | Underground
25 | Churchgate | चर्चगेट | May 2025 | Western Line | Underground
26 | Vidhan Bhavan | विधान भवन | May 2025 | None | Underground
27 | Badhwar Park | बधवार पार्क | May 2025 | None | Underground
28 | Cuffe Parade | कफ परेड | May 2025 | None | Underground
29  | Navy Nagar  | नेव्ही नगर  | Proposed | None  | Underground

## Infrastructure

[edit]

The car shed, where the metro rakes will be parked, is located opposite SEEPZ on a 33 hectare (81-acre plot) in Aarey Colony. In March 2017, the MMRC floated tenders for multiple works on Metro 3 including the traction system, power supply, tunnel ventilation, signalling, train control, platform screen doors and telecommunication system. The contracts include the manufacturing, supply and installation of these systems.[179]

Tenders for design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of ballastless tracks for the underground section were floated by the MMRC in May 2017.[180]

### Rolling stock

[edit]

The MMRC, a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra invited bids to supply rolling stock for Metro 3 in December 2015.[181][182] The process of procuring rolling stock was delayed due to a disagreement between the Central Government and JICA. The Centre wanted 75% of the total rolling stock procured for the line to be manufactured in India, as part of its Make in India program, even if the contract was awarded to a foreign company. However, JICA wanted the bid for rolling stock to have no restrictions.[183] The MMRC argued that manufacturing rolling stock in India would reduce the cost of maintenance. The agency stated that although bids without restrictions would result in cheaper procurement cost for the rolling stock, the subsequent cost of importing spare parts would be expensive. Under pressure from the NITI Aayog, the Department of Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of Urban Development, JICA agreed to accept the Union Government's domestic manufacturing requirement for rolling stock for all JICA-funded metro systems in India.[75] As a result, the winning bidder may only manufacture a maximum 25% metro cars required for Metro 3 outside India. The MMRC rejected criticism that the restrictions would favour BEML, Bombardier and Alstom, the only companies that manufacture rolling stock in India, by stating that a foreign company that won the bid could sub-contract to an India-based manufacturer.[184]

The MMRC restarted the bidding process, under the new conditions, in May 2017. The agency sought to procure 31 eight-car train sets. Each coach is 22.6 metres long and 3.2 metres wide. The MMRC received pre-qualification bids from seven firms - Alstom Transport India Ltd India & Alstom Transport S.A France (Consortium), CAF S.A, Spain, CRRC Nanjing, CRRC Changchun & CRRC International Corporation Ltd China (Consortium), Hitachi Ltd (Japan), Kawasaki Heavy Industries Japan & BHEL (Consortium) India, and Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan.[185]

In September 2018, the MMRC awarded a EUR 315 million contract to French transportation major Alstom Transport and its Indian subsidiary to supply 336 coaches for Metro 3. The contractor will be responsible for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 42 train sets of eight cars each. The trains will have a carrying capacity of 3,000 passengers and a seating capacity of around 300 passengers in each coach in longitudinal seating arrangements.[186] All coaches will be designed and developed at Alstom's engineering centre in Bangalore, and manufactured by the company's plant in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh.[187]

Metro 3 will be driverless. The line has an automation level of grade 4. However, the line will employ drivers during its first year in operation.[175] Trains on the line will also utilize a time-interval system which allows them to maintain the minimum possible distance required for safety between each other. As all trains are connected with the operation control centre, every train is aware of the speed and distance of all other trains.[175]

### Signalling

[edit]

Metro 3 will utilise the Alstom Urbalis 400 communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling system.[188] There are no signals on the line, and speed and distance between the trains is monitored by onboard computers that are connected with a central computer in the operations control centre.[86]

### Power

[edit]

MMRDA joint project director Dilip Kawathkar stated that AC power was chosen for Line 3 "after a proper study by a team of experts" which found that the AC model was "a better option". Experts believe that the decision to use AC escalated the project cost by 15%, since more digging is required for the rail to work on AC.[189]

## Operations

[edit]

Despite providing connectivity to Mumbai's airport, passengers on Metro 3 will not be permitted to carry their check-in luggage onboard trains. Only hand/cabin baggage will be allowed. MMRC officials stated that Metro 3 was not an "Airport Express line", but a regular city metro corridor. Officials explained that providing luggage check-in would require additional dwell time at the Airport metro station, which would increase the overall headway of the line, and disrupt services for other passengers.[190]

### Fare collection

[edit]

Metro 3 will utilize an open loop automated fare collection system. Passengers will be able to pay for travel using contactless pre-paid and post-paid smart cards issued by partnering banks. Only RuPay debit and credit cards will be accepted on Metro 3.[191][192]

In March 2017, the MMRC held a pre-bid meeting with all pre-qualified bidders for the "Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Tunnel Ventilation & Environmental Control System."[193] In the same month, the agency received 12 bids from consortia to set up an automatic fare collection system.[194][195]

In March 2020, MMRC expressed its displeasure over Tata Power's revised electricity tariffs and announced it could result in higher fares for passengers when the line opens.[196]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Detailed project report - Mumbai metro line 3 - Colaba-Bandra-Seepz (533 pages) (PDF). Mumbai: Mumbai metro raiul corporation limited / RITES (GOI). 1 November 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
2. ^ Mishra, Lalatendu (21 July 2016). "MMRC gears up to start work on Metro-3". The Hindu - via www.thehindu.com.
3. ^ "Alstom wins major rolling stock contract for Mumbai Metro Line 3". Alstom. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
4. ^ Nandi, Tamal (4 June 2023). "Mumbai Metro's Line 3: First fully underground corridor to get modern coaches with environment-friendly features". mint. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
5. ^ "Mumbai metro Line 3 breaks ground". DVV Media International.
6. ^ "Official photo gallery - Mumbai metro". mmrcl.com. MMCL Official website. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
7. ^ a b "Cabinet clears Mumbai Metro's third line". Times of India. 29 June 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
8. ^ a b Mehta, Manthan K. (25 March 2014). "Metro phase III tenders to be issued by July 2013". The Times of India. TNN. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
9. ^ "Route Map". Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
10. ^ a b "Metro company to be revamped for Colaba-SEEPZ route". The Times of India. timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 21 January 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2014.
11. ^ "Complete list of official reports and documents". mmrcl.com. MMRCL - official website. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
12. ^ Doshi, Menaka (18 June 2023). "Mumbai Finds an Underground Solution to Its Above-Ground Chaos". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
13. ^ "Maharashtra removes Mumbai Metro Chief, MMRDA Commissioner takes over the charge". Metro Rail Today. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
14. ^ "Project documents". mmrcl.com. MMRC official website. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
15. ^ Independent auditors report 2016-17 (PDF). New Delhi: RSVA & Co. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
16. ^ "TBM S-63 Makes a Breakthrough for Mumbai Metro Line-3 at Dharavi". The Metro Rail Guy. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
17. ^ a b "After Kolkata, Mumbai to be the second Indian city with underwater Metro tunnel". The Indian Express. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
18. ^ "PM Narendra Modi to flag off Metro 3 on Saturday, services likely from Sunday". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
19. ^ "'Metro Important': SC Dismisses Appeal to Maintain Aarey Colony as Ecologically Sensitive Zone". The Wire. 19 June 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
20. ^ Swati Deshpande (15 April 2019). "SC rejects plea by activist for alternative to Aarey in Mumbai for Metro car shed". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
21. ^ a b "Development body in talks with CSIA". The Indian Express. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
22. ^ "Views on Colaba-Seepz underground metro sought". DNA India. 14 December 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
23. ^ "Public hearing to be held for Colaba-SEEPZ Metro line". Hindustan Times. 8 December 2011. Archived from the original on 21 January 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
24. ^ "Underground Metro technically feasible: Study". The Indian Express. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
25. ^ "Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation". MMRDA. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2014. "Establishment of MMRC: As per State Govt. directives Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has been constituted as fully owned company of MMRDA (registered under provisions of Company Act, 1956) as of 30th April, 2008. MMRC (at present) is responsible for the implementation of all the Metro Rail Corridors under Mumbai Metro Rail Project."
26. ^ "Centre paves way for 3rd Metro line". The Times of India. 28 February 2012. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
27. ^ "Mumbai Metro likely to get autonomy status: MMRDA". DNA India. 27 April 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
28. ^ a b "Mumbai airport plans Rs 1,600-crore upgrade". Business Standard. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
29. ^ "MIAL to build three stations near airport". The Indian Express. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
30. ^ "Delhi airport to get India's first air train, will connect Terminal 1 with T2 and T3". The Economic Times. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
31. ^ a b "Metro-III gets Rs 4,553cr Japanese loan - Mumbai - DNA". Dnaindia.com. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
32. ^ "Ministry rejects Plan for Mumbai Metro-3". Daily Pioneer. 17 August 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
33. ^ Independent auditors report 2016-17 (PDF). New Delhi. 1 July 2017. p. 37. Retrieved 27 August 2018.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
34. ^ "Mumbai Metro 3 plan gets boost after Japan signs Rs 4,553 cr loan". Hindustan Times. 18 September 2013. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
35. ^ "Japan's Rs 4K crore push for Mumbai Metro". The Times of India. 30 May 2013. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
36. ^ "Japan sanctions $ 700 million loan for Mumbai Metro". IBN Live. 29 May 2013. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
37. ^ a b "Japan extends Rs 4553 crore loan for Mumbai Metro-3". Ibnlive.in.com. 17 September 2013. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
38. ^ Pillay, Amritha (6 March 2019). "Mumbai Metro line 3 project estimated to cost Rs 7,000 crore more". Business Standard India. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
39. ^ "Colaba-Bandra Seepz Metro gets Cabinet nod". The Indian Express. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
40. ^ "If Metro-III meets its deadline, Mumbai will save Rs 1.60cr fuel daily by 2021". The Times of India. 29 June 2013. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
41. ^ "Business Line: Cabinet approves Mumbai Metro Line-3 project". The Hindu. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
42. ^ a b Ateeq Shaikh (23 February 2014). "1.74L sq mts of land to be used for Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ metro". Daily News & Analysis (DNA). Retrieved 27 March 2014.
43. ^ "Cabinet nod to Rs 23k cr Metro-III project". The Times of India. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
44. ^ a b "14 consortia show interest in Mumbai Metro's underground line". Business Standard. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
45. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
46. ^ "Construction of Mumbai Metro III may start in Dec". Business Standard India. 26 August 2014 - via Business Standard.
47. ^ timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/No-booster-dose-for-Mumbais-moribund-Metro/articleshow/40311318.cms
48. ^ a b "Pre-poll rush to approve delayed metro". The Times of India. 24 August 2014.
49. ^ "Metro III hopes for speedy nods after puja today". The Times of India. 26 August 2014.
50. ^ "Third phase of metro rail inaugurated".
51. ^ a b c "Bidders picked for longest underground rail corridor". 11 September 2014.
52. ^ "AECOM Asia appointed as general consultant for Mumbai Metro III projectr". Business Standard India. 8 December 2014 - via Business Standard.
53. ^ "Business News Today: Read Latest Business news, India Business News Live, Share Market & Economy News".
54. ^ Raghunath, Pamela (26 May 2015). "Mumbai's Metro-3 inches forward".
55. ^ "Mumbai Metro III project unveils new logo". 6 July 2015.
56. ^ "Mumbai Metro III: MMRC to relocate 2,807 families". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
57. ^ "Mumbai Metro 3 work: Residents of old SoBo buildings to shift to hotels". Hindustan Times. 13 March 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
58. ^ "SoBo residents may get free stay at hotels courtesy MMRC". Asian Age. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
59. ^ Mehta, Manthank (11 March 2022). "Mumbai: Originating metro-3 station to be extended to Navy Nagar". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
60. ^ "Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line): Stations, Fare, Route Map, Status, & Timeline". Mumbai Metro Times - Your Metro Guide. 23 October 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
61. ^ Mehta, Manthank (3 August 2022). "Mumbai: Metro 3 Navy Nagar extension plan tunnels ahead with detailed prpject report tender". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
62. ^ "Ball set rolling for underground Metro III; contract by March 2014". The Times of India. 18 September 2013. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
63. ^ "Bids invited for 32.5 km Mumbai Metro III project design and construction". Business Standard. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
64. ^ "Further delay in Colaba-Seepz metro as govt tweaks bid norms". Business Standard. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
65. ^ "Eligibility norms eased to attract more bidders". The Indian Express. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
66. ^ "Metro-III project ready to chug along". The Indian Express. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
67. ^ "14 firms bid for city's 1st underground Metro line from Colaba to Seepz". The Indian Express. 11 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
68. ^ "14 firms in race for underground work on Metro-3". The Times of India. 11 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
69. ^ "14 companies in fray for Colaba-SEEPZ Metro Line-3 underground stations & tunnels". Mid-day.com. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
70. ^ "Metro-3: Tender to build car depot at Aarey Colony floated". 20 July 2014.
71. ^ a b "Mumbai Metro III project receives 31 bids from 9 consortiums". 12 May 2015.
72. ^ "Mumbai Metro-III project receives 31 bids, 5 China firms in fray". The Hindu. 12 May 2015 - via www.thehindu.com.
73. ^ a b "Mumbai metro Line 3 work to begin in October". Railway Gazette. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
74. ^ a b "Contracts awarded for Mumbai Metro Line 3 construction works". The Global Rail Alliance. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
75. ^ a b "What is loss to environment? Metro will stop 10,000 metric tonnes of emissions, says Mumbai Metro Rail Director". The Indian Express. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
76. ^ "MMRC floats bids for Aarey Metro car depot". dna. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
77. ^ "MMRC awards contract for Metro carshed at Aarey". The Indian Express. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
78. ^ "Contractor appointed for Metro III car depot ignores protests by environmentalists". The Times of India. 29 June 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
79. ^ "5,012 trees will make way for Metro-3 project in Mumbai". Hindustan Times. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
80. ^ "Mumbai: Metro III to affect over 5,012 trees". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
81. ^ "Tata JV commits to plant 2,000 trees in Metro 3 notified area". The Hindu. 2 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
82. ^ "Metro to gift 25,000 saplings to hospitals, schools". The Times of India. 28 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
83. ^ "At Rs 22 lakh a month, Metro gets specialist to transplant trees". The Times of India. 12 March 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
84. ^ "MMRC distributes 16K saplings across 25 location". India Today. 11 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
85. ^ "Metro body distributes 16,000 saplings in Mumbai". The Times of India. 11 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
86. ^ a b "Metro 3 set to have driverless trains". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
87. ^ "Loss of 2800 trees looks horrifying, but the net environmental impact of the project will be positive - Mumbai Mirror -". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
88. ^ "'Metro will reduce 6.5 lakh vehicle trips per day' - Mumbai Mirror -". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
89. ^ a b "The Aarey Milk Car Conundrum: HC paves way for Mumbai Metro Line 3 Car Shed". Indian Expose. 5 October 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
90. ^ Marpakwar, Chaitanya (4 September 2019). "Aarey Forest: Cutting Aarey trees can lead to floods at airport in heavy rain". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
91. ^ "Mumbai: Building near Metro station on Line 3 sinks, officials evacuate 25 families". The Indian Express. 12 November 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
92. ^ "Buildings in Mumbai's Mahim start to develop cracks due to ongoing Metro work". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
93. ^ Baliga, Linah (20 November 2019). "Another building in Mahim tilts due to Metro construction; MMRCL advises 12 families to move out". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
94. ^ "Hit by Mumbai Metro work, residents of Mahim building to relocate". Hindustan Times. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
95. ^ Rao, Shashank (13 December 2019). "Underground blasts at Metro's Oval Maidan site shake Western Railways 120-year-old heritage head office, structural audit ordered". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
96. ^ "HC refuses to vacate stay on tree cutting for Metro-3". hindustantimes.com. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
97. ^ "Metro 3: HC further stays cutting of trees". The Hindu. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
98. ^ "HC stay on plan to axe trees in south Bombay for Metro III to continue". The Times of India. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
99. ^ "Produce green clearance documents for building three metro stations: Bombay HC". The Indian Express. 10 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
100. ^ "Bombay high court asks if green nod was taken for Metro 3 stations in south Mumbai". Hindustan Times. 11 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
101. ^ "Bombay HC seeks MoEF response over clearance to Metro 3 stations". The Indian Express. 17 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
102. ^ "Mumbai: Loopholes in permission for Metro stations revealed". mid-day. 17 March 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
103. ^ "Took permission for metro work in CRZ areas, says MMRC". asianage.com. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
104. ^ "Environment can't be massacred for development: HC to Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation". mid-day. 12 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
105. ^ "Metro needed in Mumbai to ease traffic woes: HC". India Today. 3 May 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
106. ^ "Need to decide if trees are more important than human lives: HC - Mumbai Mirror -". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
107. ^ "HC vacates stay on felling trees for Metro III project". The Hindu. 6 May 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
108. ^ "Mumbai Metro: HC vacates stay on cutting of trees for Metro III project". dna. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
109. ^ "Bombay HC vacates stay on tree cutting for Metro-3". Asian Age. 6 May 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
110. ^ "Stay on tree-cutting for Metro III till Thurs". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
111. ^ "Supreme Court stays Seepz-Colaba Metro-3 work". Asian Age. 16 May 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
112. ^ "Mind sustainability with Metro 3". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
113. ^ "For funds, Mumbai Metro eyes real estate bonanza in Aarey". The Times of India. 29 January 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
114. ^ a b "Mumbai: Green tribunal extends stay on Metro construction at Aarey for another month". Hindustan Times. 18 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
115. ^ a b c "Many legal hurdles in the path of MMRC's Metro 3". The Indian Express. 18 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
116. ^ "Aarey has been used for non-forest activities since 1949: Maharashtra tells NGT". Hindustan Times. 30 March 2017. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
117. ^ "Forest department can't find own report on Aarey forest". asianage.com. 11 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
118. ^ "Mumbai: Aarey eco-sensitive zone matter now posted for hearing in NGT". The Times of India. 10 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
119. ^ "Clarify stand on approval to Metro III project: Bombay HC to MoEF". mid-day. 24 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
120. ^ "Bombay High Court to monitor if cutting of trees for Metro III is in line for building infrastructure or massacre of trees". dna. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
121. ^ Patel, Shivam (19 February 2017). "Look at Kalina for car shed, Metro told". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
122. ^ "Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation not to consider Kalina land for depot". The Indian Express. 1 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
123. ^ "MMRC says Kalina not feasible for Metro car shed, it's back to Aarey". Hindustan Times. 1 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
124. ^ "Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation redesigns Aarey Metro carshed to save trees". The Indian Express. 2 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
125. ^ "Aarey car depot may become Parjapur depot". dna. 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
126. ^ Kumar, Krishna. "Sreedharan writes to CM Fadnavis for Metro carshed in Aarey - The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
127. ^ "NGT stay on Metro 3 work vacated: Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation". The Indian Express. 26 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
128. ^ "Mumbai: Despite NGT order, contractor begins soil testing at Aarey Colony". mid-day. 25 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
129. ^ "Alleging violation of NGT orders, environmentalists & tabela owners protest against Mumbai metro". dna. 25 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
130. ^ "Mumbai Metro 3: Despite NGT's interim ban, MMRCL tests soil at Aarey Colony". hindustantimes.com. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
131. ^ "Mumbai: MMRC begins soil survey for Metro 3 construction under police protection". The Indian Express. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
132. ^ Yerunkar, Chetna (1 October 2017). "Mumbai: As Metro Phase 3 work begins, Flora Fountain is feeling the tremors". Mid Day. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
133. ^ "SC rejects plea for alternative site to Aarey Colony for Mumbai Metro-3 car shed". Hindustan Times. 16 April 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
134. ^ "To cut or not to cut: Supreme Court hearing on Aarey trees felling today". India Today. Ist. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
135. ^ Jain, Bhavika; Mehta, Manthan K. (30 November 2019). "Shadow over Metro III after Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's Aarey stay". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
136. ^ "New committee to tap alternative site for Metro-3 car shed". Hindustan Times. 11 December 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
137. ^ "Shifting Metro car shed from Aarey Colony unviable, says panel appointed by Uddhav Thackeray". The Indian Express. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
138. ^ "Major contracts involved in our projects". mmrcl.com. MMRC Official website. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
139. ^ "Our projects worldwide". stec.net. STEC, Shanghai, China - official website. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
140. ^ "L&T, partner STEC bag Rs5,273 cr order from Mumbai Metro". Live Mint. 5 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
141. ^ "Tenders awarded". mmrcl.com. MMRCL official website. 27 June 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
142. ^ "Mumbai Metro Aqua Line – Info, Route Map, Fares, Tenders & Updates". The Metro Rail Guy. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
143. ^ "Tunneling for Metro-3 to begin by October". hindustantimes.com. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
144. ^ "Underground tunneling work for Mumbai Metro's Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ line to begin from Oct". dna. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
145. ^ "MMRC fabricates first tunnel ring for Metro 3". The Indian Express. 8 March 2017. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
146. ^ "Mumbai Metro third line to be ready by 2020". The Hindu Business line. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
147. ^ Our Bureau (21 March 2014). "Tender for Mumbai's Metro phase 3 to be floated in July". Business Line. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
148. ^ a b "MMRC to stick to old method for building most Metro 3 stations". The Indian Express. 29 January 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
149. ^ Ranjeet Jadhav (17 February 2014). "MMRDA starts homework to avoid delays in metro line 3". Mid-day.com. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
150. ^ "Tunnelling under the Mithi: how Mumbai Metro is meeting the challenge". The Indian Express. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
151. ^ "Colaba-Bandra-Seepz line: A 170-m Metro tunnel that will go right under Mithi river". The Indian Express. 13 May 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
152. ^ "Metro-3 corridor work begins in Mumbai". The Times of India. 21 October 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
153. ^ "Mumbai metro Line 3 breaks ground". Railway Gazette. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
154. ^ Kumar, Krishna. "Further delay in Metro 3 to push ticket prices up - The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
155. ^ "Metro-3 work begins today, traffic curbs may choke five busy roads". The Times of India. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
156. ^ "South Mumbai braces for traffic chaos as Metro-3 work begins. Avoid these routes". Hindustan Times. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
157. ^ "Mumbai underground metro hits roadblock: Fire temple trustees demand Parsi contractor for survey". Firstpost. 4 July 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
158. ^ "Wanted: Parsi engineer for Mum Metro". dna. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
159. ^ "Tunnelling for Metro III: Tunnelling for Metro III to start in October". The Times of India. 3 March 2017.
160. ^ "Shivaji memorial: Mumbai Metro 3 rubble unlikely to be used". The Indian Express. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
161. ^ "Shivaji Memorial in the Arabian Sea: Statue to tower on green foundation". The Indian Express. 24 December 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
162. ^ Chacko, Benita (1 April 2017). "Shivaji memorial: Mumbai Metro 3 rubble unlikely to be used". The Indian Express. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
163. ^ "Mumbai Metro Line III completes 5 km tunnelling". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
164. ^ "Mumbai Metro Line III completes 5 kms tunnelling. See photos". mid-day. 10 July 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
165. ^ "Mumbai Metro-3 bores through hurdles to see light at the end of tunnel". dna. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
166. ^ Mahale, Ajeet (14 February 2019). "With 20 km of tunnelling over, Mumbai Metro achieves another breakthrough". The Hindu. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
167. ^ "Mumbai Metro 3: 20 km of tunnel work complete". The Indian Express. 14 February 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
168. ^ "45% tunnelling work for Mumbai Metro-3 completed". Hindustan Times. 14 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
169. ^ "MMRC achieves 35th breakthrough, completes 91% tunneling work". MMRCL. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
170. ^ "Work on first Metro tunnel under Mithi River complete" (PDF). MMRCL. 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
171. ^ Tanushree Venkatraman (20 August 2020). "MMRC completes tunnelling below Mithi river". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
172. ^ "Here's how Mumbai Metro Line 3 will look like". The Indian Express. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
173. ^ PTI (30 August 2022). "Mumbai Metro line-3 trial run begins". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
174. ^ "Metro 3 trial run till Sahar once crossover track is ready". The Indian Express. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
175. ^ a b c "Mumbai: Metro 3 to go driverless". The Indian Express. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
176. ^ "Mumbai commute to get seamless: Board a metro, exit at T2 or Mumbai Central terminus". hindustantimes.com. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
177. ^ "Project Route". MMRCL. 27 June 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
178. ^ "Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3: BKC to Aarey Phase 1 operations set to start from July. Check route map and stations". The Economic Times. 28 May 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
179. ^ "Siemens, Tata bidding for Rs 23,136 cr Mumbai Metro". dna. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
180. ^ "Mumbai: Metro 3 on track for 2021 inauguration". mid-day. 14 May 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
181. ^ "Made in India trains to run on Mumbai's Metro-3 route". Hindustan Times. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
182. ^ "Mumbai: Buying of Metro 3 coaches stuck due to PM Modi's 'Make in India' scheme". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
183. ^ "Centre and JICA in a tussle". Asian Age. 9 March 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
184. ^ "Made in India trains to run on Mumbai's Metro-3 route". Hindustan Times. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
185. ^ "Seven firms bid to design and supply Mumbai Metro-3 coaches". hindustantimes.com. 22 June 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
186. ^ "Alstom wins €315 million contract to supply cars for Mumbai's metro line 3". The Economic Times. 11 September 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
187. ^ "Alstom's Sri City plant to make 31 trains for Mumbai Metro". The Times of India. 10 September 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
188. ^ "Mumbai's latest Metro line-3 successfully flagged off for trial runs. 5 points". mint. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
189. ^ "Mumbai s Metro-3 will be one of the few in the world to run on AC". 15 May 2014.
190. ^ "Flyers with heavy luggage will have to rely on taxis, not Metro 3: MMRC". dna. 4 March 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
191. ^ "Cashless travel for Metro-3 passengers". Asian Age. 8 March 2017. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
192. ^ Rawal, Swapnil (8 March 2017). "You can use your debit cards to pay for a Metro ride". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
193. ^ "Bidders line up to design tunnel ventilation and environmental control system". The Times of India. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
194. ^ "MMRC gets 12 bids for automatic fare collection". 21 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
195. ^ "L&T, Godrej, others bid for Mumbai metro job". dna. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
196. ^ Sen, Somit (1 April 2020). "Mumbai Metro: Power cost hiked for Metro-3, officials fear will impact fares". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 April 2020.

* v
* t
* e

Mumbai Metro stations

Line 3 - Aqua Line|

* Aarey Colony
* SEEPZ
* MIDC
* Marol Naka
* CSMIA International
* Sahar Road
* CSMIA Domestic
* Santacruz
* Vidyanagri
* Income Tax Office (BKC)
* Dharavi
* Shitladevi Temple
* Dadar
* Siddhivinayak Temple
* Worli
* Acharya Atrey Chowk
* Science Museum
* Mahalaxmi
* Mumbai Central
* Grant Road
* Girgaon
* Kalbadevi
* Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
* Hutatma Chowk
* Churchgate
* Vidhan Bhavan
* Badhwar Park
* Cuffe Parade

Depot(s)

* ■ Aarey Colony

* * Stations in Italics are Under Construction.

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template