Cited by The Wall Street Journal as “one of the world’s most audacious transit projects”, the Mumbai Metro Line 3 (MML3) – also known as Aqua Line 3 – is set to be India’s first fully underground metro route. Running along the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor, it will connect south Mumbai to the city’s western suburbs.
Due for completion in 2024, the line is expected to cut commute times by up to 50 per cent, positively impacting millions of commuters who spend as much as four hours per day travelling to and from work.
Our teams are providing specialist design, supervision, quality control, safety and control management services for the 21-mile-long track (33.5 km).
Once operational, MML3 will increase the line’s existing capacity fivefold, carrying 1.6 million passengers daily. This will not only lessen the burden of overcrowded suburban trains but will also reduce congestion on the roads, helping to curb carbon emissions as a result.
Navigating construction in the heart of Mumbai
Working on MML3 has not been without its challenges. As the work requires 24-hour construction in the heart of the densely populated city, safety has been of paramount concern.
Leveraging our expertise and experience with similarly complex projects, we have successfully delivered the works without a single incident so far. This includes tunnelling directly underneath several working facilities including historic buildings, temples and residential areas.
In recognition of our exemplary safety performance on this project, we received the Confederation of Indian Industries Safety Award.
How will the Mumbai Metro Line 3 benefit communities and the planet?
As India’s most populous city, Mumbai currently ranks fifth in annual deaths linked to air pollution, which is why reducing carbon emissions is critical.
When complete, the MML3 is expected to reduce road congestion by nearly 15 per cent. With fewer cars on the road, India will be better positioned to meet its 2070 net-zero goal.
The line will also ease connections to key parts of the city – including Mumbai Airport. This will halve the present journey time of 100 minutes from Cuffe Parade to the airport to just 50 minutes.
A more sustainable and convenient way to travel
Running from Navy Nagar in the far-south of Mumbai to Aarey Depot in the north-centre, the MML3 is well connected to other transport links, including metro lines, monorail, suburban rail and inter-city rail.
By integrating with the existing transport network, customers have a greater incentive to opt for the metro instead of driving.
Plus, passengers will benefit from greater comfort on board, with fully air-conditioned carriages – making the MML3 a greener, safer and more convenient alternative to travelling by road.