by Deepak Sawant 
Mumbai people should be proud. Launching the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3, a project expected to transform urban transit, should help to relieve traffic problems in the city. Originally scheduled to start operations in October, this metro line will provide commuters a faster, safer, and more economical means of transit by immediately connecting South Mumbai to BKC.
Aqua Line 3: Route and Stations
Including important and high-traffic stops like CST, Churchgate, the Secretariat, Vidhan Bhavan, and Cuffe Parade, Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 will have 27 stations. Heavy congestion is especially associated with Vidhan Bhavan and the Secretariat. With the debut of the metro, though, traffic congestion in these areas is projected to drastically drop, therefore improving the commuting experience.
This line will start or end at Cuffe Parade. From BKC to Aare, the metro will cut the 1.5 to 2 hours previously spent to only 30 minutes, hence providing Daily travelers find great convenience.
Previous Phases of the Metro
Last year, in October, the section from Aare Colony to BKC became operational. By May 2025, the BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk stretch was opened. Now, with the extension to Cuffe Parade, around 11 new stations are being added to the network.
This extension will ease congestion in areas such as CST, Churchgate, and Vidhan Bhavan, ensuring faster and more comfortable travel.
Ticket Prices and Travel Costs
Ticket prices for Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 are distance-based, starting at ₹10 and going up to ₹80. The full journey from Aare to Cuffe Parade will cost only ₹60.
- Up to 3 km: ₹10
- 3–12 km: ₹20
- 12–18 km: ₹30
- 18–24 km: ₹40
- 24–30 km: ₹50
- 30–36 km: ₹60
- Over 36 km: ₹80
This pricing structure ensures affordability and makes commuting more economical. For example, traveling from BKC to CST previously cost around ₹70 via shared rickshaw, bus, or local train, but now the same trip will cost just ₹50 with direct metro access.
Which stations are in Line 3 in Mumbai Metro?
Twenty-seven stations along Mumbai Metro Line 3—also known as the Aqua Line—is a completely subterranean route spanning 33.5 km. Connecting Aarey in the north with Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai, it traverses major locations including BKC, Worli, and Churchgate. For Mumbaikars, this line seeks to offer a quicker, more safe, and more effective means of transportation.
🚇 Stations on Mumbai Metro Line 3
The stations on Aqua Line 3 are as follows:
- Cuffe Parade
- Vidhan Bhavan
- Churchgate / Hutatma Chowk
- CST Metro (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)
- Kalbadevi
- Girgaon
- Grant Road
- Mumbai Central
- Mahalaxmi
- Science Museum
- Acharya Atre Chowk
- Worli
- Siddhivinayak
- Dadar
- Shitladevi Temple
- Dharavi
- BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex)
- Vidyanagari
- Santacruz
- CSMIA T1 (Domestic Airport)
- Sahar Road
- CSMIA T2 (International Airport)
- Marol Naka
- MIDC
- SEEPZ
- Aarey
These stations are strategically located to provide connectivity to major commercial, residential, and cultural hubs across Mumbai. The line is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease congestion on roads and local trains.
Will Aqua Line 3 connect to other metro lines?
Yes! Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the city’s existing metro network and other public transport systems, enhancing connectivity across Mumbai. Here’s how it connects:
Key Interchanges with Other Metro Lines
- CST Metro Station
- Connects with Metro Line 1 (Versova–Ghatkopar) indirectly via the central business district and local transport options.
- Provides easy access to suburban trains at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
- Churchgate / Hutatma Chowk
- Near Western Railway network, enabling transfers to local trains.
- Future potential for integration with other metro corridors in South Mumbai.
- Mumbai Central
- Interchange with Metro Line 2A / 7 (if operational extensions are completed), improving connectivity to Western suburbs.
- Mahalaxmi
- Provides access to key business hubs and areas like Worli and BKC via feeder transport.
- BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex)
- Connects with Line 2B (Bandra West to Dahisar East), facilitating seamless travel to northern and western suburbs.
- Aarey
- Northern terminal; connects with future planned metro corridors, enabling suburban integration.
Other Connectivity Highlights
- Local Trains: Several stations along Line 3 are near Western and Central Railway stations, allowing easy transfers.
- Bus & Monorail: Major stations like Cuffe Parade, BKC, and CST will be integrated with BEST buses and feeder services.
- Airport: The line improves indirect connectivity to the airport via BKC and Aarey, reducing travel time significantly.
✅ Impact: Once fully operational, Aqua Line 3 will act as a backbone for Mumbai’s underground metro network, reducing travel time, easing congestion, and connecting suburban, business, and cultural hubs across the city.
Travel Experience and Benefits
Once running, Aqua Line 3 will link the airport directly to BKC and South Mumbai. Commuters will have a pleasant trip, save time, and lower travel expenses.
Previously, to get to places like Siddhivinayak Temple, South Mumbai inhabitants had to change between buses or local trains, so wasting both additional time and around ₹60 in transportation costs. For only ₹60, the new metro line will enable air-conditioned, direct travel to such places, greatly improving comfort.
Impact on the City
The launch of Aqua Line 3 will provide a major boost to Mumbai’s urban transportation system. Traffic congestion will decrease, commuting will become more efficient, and overall quality of life for city residents is expected to improve. This project is anticipated to be a historic milestone for Mumbai.
Next Phase
So far, the stretch from Aare to BKC and Acharya Atre Chowk has been operational. The next phase includes major stations such as Nehru Science Center, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Kalbadevi, CST, Secretariat, Churchgate, and Cuffe Parade—adding 10–11 new stations. This will allow direct metro travel from suburban areas to the southern tip of the city without multiple transfers.
Time and Cost Savings
With the metro, passengers will no longer need to switch buses or local trains frequently. This saves both time and money, while also providing a comfortable, efficient journey. For instance, traveling from BKC to CST or the airport will now cost only ₹50, a significant reduction from earlier commuting expenses.
Conclusion
Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 is poised to revolutionize city transportation. Offering quick, safe, inexpensive, and comfortable commuting, the initiative will greatly alleviate traffic congestion and improve the travel experience of locals.
Once totally functional, the metro will link South Mumbai, BKC, and the airport directly, therefore offering an amazing degree of convenience. Providing a welcome respite for daily commuters and a boost to the city’s general transportation network, this historic initiative is set to be a significant monument in Mumbai’s urban expansion.
People also ask
Does Aqua Line accept DMRC cards?
No, Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 (Line 3) does not accept Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) smart cards. Not interoperable, the two metro networks have distinct ticketing systems.
Aqua Line 3 backs the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), a contactless RuPay card enabling simple travel across many means of transportation in India. This counts compatibility with Chalo buses as well as Mumbai Metro Lines 1, 2A, 2B, and 7. You can use the same NCMC card. guaranteeing a single and easy travel experience across these services. (The Print)
You can go to any functioning station along the route or choose State Bank of India (SBI) to get an NCMC card for Aqua Line 3. branches: With a required first recharge of ₹100, the card is offered totally free. It may be refilled up to ₹2,000 and utilized for Mid-day travel on Aqua Line 3 and other matching transportation options.
Unlike DMRC’s smart cards, which are intended only for Delhi Metro and cannot be used with Aqua Line 3. Thus, it is best to use an NCMC card if you are taking Aqua Line 3 for a flawless experience.
