Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to make a significant impact on Mumbai’s transportation landscape with the partial inauguration of the Mumbai Metro 3 project on October 4. Alongside this key development, the Prime Minister will also unveil several other infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and easing congestion in the bustling metropolis.
Details of the Mumbai Metro 3 Project
During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate a stretch of the Mumbai Metro 3 line, specifically between Aarey Colony and the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This segment of the metro will serve as a crucial link in the city’s extensive public transport network. The aqua line, which will be partially opened, covers a 12.5 km stretch that features ten stations, part of a larger corridor consisting of 27 stations. The remaining sections are currently under construction and are expected to be completed by March 2025.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this ambitious project took place on August 26, 2014, with construction commencing on October 21, 2016. This development is expected to significantly reduce travel times and alleviate the congestion that often plagues Mumbai’s roadways.
Additional Infrastructure Initiatives
In addition to the Mumbai Metro 3 project, PM Modi will also launch a range of other infrastructure projects during his visit. Key among these is a new corridor for the Thane Creek Bridge, designed to improve connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, as well as Pune. The 1.84 km bridge is anticipated to provide much-needed relief to thousands of commuters who frequently traverse this route.
The Prime Minister will also preside over the inauguration of the last phase of the Samruddhi Expressway, a critical artery linking the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to Nagpur. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation’s vice chairman and managing director, Anilkumar Gaikwad, indicated that construction on one of the carriageways of the expressway is progressing as planned and should be ready for use by September. This will allow motorists to drive the entire expressway from Mumbai to Nagpur starting in October.
The Samruddhi Expressway stretches a total of 701 km, with the final phase covering 76 km. Earlier phases of the expressway were inaugurated in stages, with a 520 km stretch between Nagpur and Shirdi opened on December 11, 2022, followed by a 105 km section from Shirdi to Bharvir on May 23, 2023. The final 76 km stretch will connect Igatpuri to Amane, linking the expressway to the Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway and the existing Mumbai-Nashik Highway.
Upcoming Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project
The Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail project, approved by the Union Cabinet last month at a cost of ₹12,200.10 crore, will also be part of the infrastructure developments announced by PM Modi. This ambitious project aims to enhance public transport options in the Thane area and beyond. Recently, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited appointed STUP Consultants to design eight of the 29 km long circular corridor, which will include 22 stations.
Timing of the Inauguration
According to sources, multiple dates between October 3 and 5 were under consideration for the inauguration. However, October 4 has been identified as the most likely date, as various government agencies coordinate their respective projects and initiatives.
PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Mumbai and the partial inauguration of the Metro 3 project underscore the government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure and public transport systems in India. These initiatives are not just about enhancing connectivity; they aim to foster economic growth, reduce congestion, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. As these projects come to fruition, they are expected to transform Mumbai’s transportation landscape, paving the way for a more efficient and accessible future. Stakeholders and citizens alike are eagerly anticipating these developments, which promise to have a lasting impact on the city’s infrastructure.