24 September,2024 04:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The colour scheme of the Aqua Line is inspired by the sea. File Photo
The first look of Mumbai's first underground Metro Aqua Line 3, connecting Aarey and BKC, was unveiled on Tuesday.
The phase one of the Metro Aqua Line 3 between Aarey and BKC, slated to open on October 4, may open without the two airport stations on the line.
The 33.5 km long Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 Corridor is a key project to improve the transportation scenario in the city with 26 underground stations.
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The Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 integrates with the suburban railway, other Mumbai Metro lines and existing transport modes at around eight locations These include, besides the city's big rail termiii of Mumbai CSMT and Churchgate. Grant Road, Mumbai Central (also close to the MSRTC bus depot) and about a 10-minute walk from Dadar station. At Mahalaxmi, the line is close to the Monorail station and at BKC integrates with the Mumbai Metro Line 2-B and with Metro Line 1 with the Mumbai Metro Line 1.
The key project is set to improve and facilitate transportation in the city. The trains will operate at a frequency of about three-four minutes, ferrying approximately 2,500 passengers on each train, which will be of eight coaches. The system is designed to run the train at a two-minute frequency by simply procuring and introducing additional trains.
Apart from easing commutes, the metro line will link six major employment and business hubs: Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. It will also provide access to over thirty educational institutions, fourteen religious sites, thirteen hospitals, and over thirty recreational facilities. Importantly, it will improve connectivity to underserved areas like Kalbadevi, Girgaon, and Worli.
Stations on this line include Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Shitladevi, Dharavi, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Vidyanagri, Santa Cruz, CSIA Terminal 1 (Domestic Airport), Sahar Road, CSIA Terminal 2 (International Airport), Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Colony (the only at-grade station).
Once fully operational, this 33.5-km line between Colaba and Seepz is expected to serve an estimated daily passenger capacity of 1.7 million. It will connect with eight railway stations, the MSRTC bus depot, and Metro Yellow Line 2B and Blue Line 1. Out of 27 stations on the line, 26 will be underground.
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) currently has a fleet of 19 rakes, which is sufficient to operate Phase 1 of the metro. Once operational, the Aqua Line is expected to offer 260 services daily, accommodating approximately 1.7 million passengers. MMRCL is also focusing on integrating multi-modal connectivity at stations, which includes connections to other public transport modes, improved footpaths, seating arrangements and foot over bridges to enhance last-mile connectivity.
The project will provide connectivity to six major business and employment centres, including Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC and SEEPZ/MIDC. According to authorities, the line will provide easy access to more than 30 educational institutes, 13 hospitals, 14 religious places and 30
recreational facilities as well as to areas which are not connected with the suburban rail network, such as Kalbadevi, Girgoan, Worli, and the international and domestic airports.
The state has generated employment opportunities for around 15,000 people during the construction of the metro line and 2,000 jobs in the post-construction phase.
In a press release issued by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, it has stated the train has features such as 'twin-booted low vibration track - high attenuation'
system to mitigate system induced noise and vibrations in the buildings on-ground. The trains are also equipped with driverless technology which will help in achieving uninterrupted services even during heavy monsoons. This corridor will lead to reduction in vehicular trips by 6.65 lakh per day. It will also facilitate reduced fuel consumption by 3.54 lakh liters/day and cut down road traffic by 35% along with reduction in noise pollution.
Further, the trains will be equipped with fire and smoke detectors as well as fire extinguishers on each coach. The voice communication facility will enable communication between passenger and controller in case of an emergency while the regenerative braking system will result in saving about 30% electric energy and also reduce the wear and tear of wheels, brake blocks. The smart LED lighting system with automatic light control feature will also reduce energy consumption.
Passengers will be asked to scan their baggage and security personnel will also frisk the commuters before boarding the trains to ensure safety. The stations and trains will be under 24X7 surveillance of CCTV cameras. The authorities also said that trespassing is not possible. The stations and platforms would be well-lit and there will be segregated space allocation for women passengers on the trains.
The barrier-free design will facilitate better accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and the stations will have retail areas, washrooms with baby diaper-changing facilities and signages in two-three languages.
