Mumbai’s maiden underground metro line is set to start operating in July, spanning 33.5 km underground to alleviate city traffic congestion.

Mumbai is gearing up for a transformative addition to its transportation network with the launch of its first underground metro line in July. Spanning 33.5 km beneath the busy city streets, this new metro line promises to alleviate traffic congestion significantly. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation has invested over Rs 37,000 crores in this ambitious project, which aims to address the city’s perennial traffic woes. 

The underground metro project features a 33.5 km tunnel that begins at Aarey Colony and encompasses a total of 27 stations, with 26 of them located underground. Extensive tunnelling work, covering 56 km of land, commenced in 2017 but faced interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initial phase, scheduled for commissioning in July, spans from Aarey Colony to BKC (Bandra-Kurla Complex), where commuters encounter severe traffic congestion. However, it may be noted that despite Mumbai already hosting two metro projects, none have offered a substantial solution to the city’s traffic problems until now.

Mumbai’s First Underground Metro travel timing

The metro will operate 260 services daily, ensuring a frequency of one metro every few minutes between 6:30 AM and 11:00 PM. Commuters can expect significant time savings compared to road travel, with the metro achieving speeds of up to 90 km per hour. A journey of 35 km, which typically takes over two hours by road, will be completed in just 50 minutes by metro.

Mumbai’s First Underground Metro stations

The stations are Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CST Metro, Kalabadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central Metro, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Sitaladevi, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, Domestic Airport, Sahar Road, International Airport, Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Depot.

Mumbai’s First Underground Metro project timeline

While the first phase is set to launch in July, completion of the entire project, including the second phase of the tunnel, is anticipated within the next eight months, promising further enhancements to Mumbai’s transportation landscape.