Mumbai: Underground Metro Aqua Line 3 in final testing phase

First rake for Metro Aqua Line 3, which arrived in July 2022. File pic

The first phase of Mumbai's first underground Metro Aqua Line 3 is now in the final stages of the run. A team of Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) has arrived on Line 3 for trials and has begun placing equipment on the train. The team will take trials and certify the trains for approval by the commissioner of railway safety.

While phase one includes the stretch from Aarey to BKC, phase two includes the stretch between BKC to Colaba. The first phase of Aarey to BKC stretch has ten stations and there will be nine trains for use of which two will be kept away with one for regular maintenance, one on stand-by, and seven others in active passenger service.

"Yes. The RDSO team has arrived and has begun the activity of placing various instruments required for oscillation trials over the next two days. Once it is done, RDSO trial runs will commence shortly. On completion, the system shall be offered for inspection by commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS)," a top official said.

Once the CRMS approvals come in, phase one public operations can begin most likely in July 2024 itself. While the first phase requires nine trains, the entire operation, including phase two, will require 31 trains. The detailed plan of phase one includes running 260 round trip services (130 Aarey to BKC and 130 between BKC to Aarey) with operational time between 6 am to 11 pm (based on passenger response).

"RDSO trials ensure passenger safety, comfort, and a good riding index. These trials include oscillation trials, which determine the speed potential of the train set in empty and loaded conditions," an official said. "After completing the trials in the designated test zones, the trains undergo a long confirmatory run at its maximum test speed with multiple readings," he added

"After the trials are successful, the RDSO issues interim speed certificates (ISCs) that allow the rolling stock (trains) to operate. The metro administration can then use these certificates to apply for sanction from the Commissioner of Railway Safety, which is the final approval before public commissioning," he added.

10 yrs of Blue Line 1

On Saturday, Mumbai Metro Blue Line One successfully completes 10 years of operations, carrying 970 million commuters with a service delivery rate of more than 99 per cent. Within a span of ten years of operation, Mumbai Metro Blue Line One has proven to be a case study in Metro networks by setting various benchmarks in the industry. The Blue Line has delivered 11 lakh trips.