Mumbai's First Underground Metro Nears Phase I Launch With Safety Certification Push

Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL) has made a significant stride toward the official inauguration of the Metro 3 corridor by submitting the first of two key applications to the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).

This move marks a major milestone as MMRCL prepares to launch Phase I of the Metro 3 line, connecting Aarey to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), later this month.

This eagerly awaited underground metro line, known as the 'Aqua Line', is part of a 14-line network for the city and will be the only one connecting the southernmost parts of Mumbai.

The first application, submitted last week, seeks certification for the rolling stock — the train sets that will operate on the corridor. The CMRS approval process for the rolling stock involves a rigorous inspection regime, including trial runs, evaluations of train design, braking systems, fire safety, and signalling mechanisms.

SK Gupta, MMRCL's Director of Projects, confirmed the submission, and Ashwini Bhide, MMRCL’s Managing Director, added that a second application, focused on safety certification for the entire 10km stretch between Aarey and BKC, will be filed next week, reports Times Of India.

Once the second application is submitted, the CMRS will conduct thorough inspections to ensure the Metro line’s compliance with all prescribed safety standards. This will include integrating tracks, stations, signalling systems, electrification, and rolling stock.

Comprehensive trial runs will be closely monitored to verify the trains’ operational efficiency and ensure they run smoothly without technical glitches or delays.

Additionally, the CMRS will assess the line's critical emergency protocols, including fire safety measures, evacuation procedures, and communication systems.

The CMRS certification is the final step before MMRCL officially inaugurates Phase I of the Metro 3 corridor.

This 33.5-kilometre (km) underground metro route will connect North and South Mumbai along the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor, linking key financial hubs such as Nariman Point, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Worli, Lower Parel, and Goregaon.