by datta Nighut 
Mumbai Metro Line 3 has pulled off something that hasn’t happened in a hundred years—it’s put Cuffe Parade back on the country’s real connectivity map. On February 20, a train rolled into Cuffe Parade, marking a historic moment. The entire stretch from Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade is now continuous, with all systems up and running. This is Mumbai’s most critical metro line, but it’s got some hurdles to clear before it hits its full potential. Let’s break it down.
A Game-Changer for Mumbai
Last year, a 12.6 km section of Line 3 from BKC to Aarey JVLR opened, part of the total 33.5 km stretch. Now, with trials extending to Cuffe Parade, the line is inching closer to full operation. This is Mumbai’s first fully underground metro, connecting key areas like Dharavi, Dadar, Worli, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Churchgate, and Cuffe Parade. The line is split into phases:
- Phase 1: BKC to Aarey JVLR (already open, with a turnaround at BKC).
- Phase 2A: Acharya Atre Chowk to Worli (9.77 km, trials started).
- Phase 2B: Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade (10.99 km, trials ongoing).
The recent trial run to Cuffe Parade proves the line is operational, with only minor work left—think signage, ticketing, and station finishing. Most stations are nearly done, though spots like Worli Naka faced delays due to issues. Safety inspections are expected to kick off by March 2025, though certification could take a few months. Since the line is Mumbai’s first underground metro, the process will be thorough.
How It Works: The Tech Behind the Tracks
Metro lines don’t open station by station like railways. Trains need turnarounds to switch tracks for return trips, which is why Line 3 has turnarounds at BKC, Worli (or Acharya Atre Chowk), and Cuffe Parade. These allow trains to flip directions without disrupting flow. The Cuffe Parade trial shows the track and systems are ready, and future plans include extending the line to Navy Nagar with additional sidings.
There’s talk of opening the entire line in one go instead of two phases, as trials for the middle section are already done. However, no official word confirms this yet.
The Numbers: Ridership Reality Check
Phase 1 has seen 2.66 million passengers so far, but daily ridership is just 20,000—way below the expected 400,000. Why? Line 3 was designed as an “arterial node,” meant to feed off other metro lines (like Lines 2B, 4, 6, and 7) to bring in passengers from residential suburbs. But those lines—Green, Pink, Yellow, and Red—are still under construction. Issues like depot land disputes and delayed train orders mean they’re at least two years away. Until then, Line 3 won’t hit its full ridership potential.
That said, the line is a lifeline for south Mumbai commuters. Currently, railway lines end at Churchgate or CSMT, leaving buses as the only option for further travel. Long queues for those buses show the demand. Line 3 will cut that hassle, directly connecting to areas like Cuffe Parade. While 400,000 daily riders might take years, ridership will climb significantly once the full line opens.
Why It Matters
Metro Line 3 isn’t just about tracks—it’s about stitching Mumbai together. From south Mumbai’s business hubs to central suburbs, it’s set to save time and ease traffic. Stations like Science Museum, Kalbadevi, Grant Road, and Vidhan Bhavan will make daily commutes smoother. With trials rolling and safety checks on the horizon, Mumbai’s underground lifeline is almost here. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a massive step forward.
