Mumbai Metro 3 to Start Full Operations from October 9: First and Last Train Timings on Aqua Line Announced

Mumbai’s public transport infrastructure received a major upgrade as the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) granted approval for Metro Line 3 Phase 2B to commence passenger services between Acharya Atre Chowk and Cuffe Parade. Starting October 9, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) will operate the complete stretch from Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade, offering uninterrupted underground connectivity across the city and its suburbs.

The operational schedule has been designed to accommodate both early risers and late-night travelers. The first trains from both terminal stations Aarey JVLR and Cuffe Parade will depart at 5:55 am, providing commuters an earlier start to their day. The final service leaves at 10:30 pm and reaches the end stations by 11:25 pm.

These timings represent a shift from the previous timetable. Until recently, the first train departed at 6:30 am, but the schedule was revised to 5:55 am on September 15 to accommodate peak-hour demand and reduce congestion during morning commutes.

With Phase 2B now operational, the Aqua Line becomes Mumbai’s first entirely underground metro corridor, spanning approximately 33.5 km and connecting 27 stations from Aarey to Cuffe Parade. The final segment between Worli and Cuffe Parade includes key stations such as Mumbai Central, CSMT Metro, Churchgate, and Vidhan Bhavan, significantly improving access across South Mumbai.

Transit officials anticipate that the new phase will drastically reduce commute times. Once fully operational, a journey from Cuffe Parade to Aarey is expected to take around 54 minutes, offering a faster alternative to road transport and suburban rail networks.

The official launch of this final segment is scheduled for October 8, aligning with the inauguration of Navi Mumbai International Airport a milestone day for Mumbai’s transport landscape.