By Manjiri Joshi,News18

Copyright news18

The construction of the Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Metro station looks almost complete.
The photos of the CSMT Metro Station, which were shared by X user, @haldilal, on their account, showed the impressive arched entrance, glass design and modern façade.
Known as the Aqua Line, Metro 3 is Mumbai’s first fully underground corridor, planned to stretch 33.5 km between Cuffe Parade (Colaba) and Aarey, featuring 27 stations (26 underground + one at grade).

Mumbai Metro line 3 Aqua CSMT Station pic.twitter.com/xmuANcJXGk
— DNT (@haldilal) September 10, 2025

The three phases of Mumbai Metro-3
The Mumbai Metro-3 work was carried out in three phases:
Phase 1 – Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC): The 12.69-km phase was thrown open to the public on October 7, 2024. The 10 stations are BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) T1, Sahar Road, CSMIA T 2, Marol Naka, Andheri, SEEPZ and Aarey Colony JVLR (the only station at grade). Its cost was Rs 14,120 crore.
Phase 2A – BKC to Worli: The 9.8-km phase two has the following six stations — Dharavi, Shitaladevi Temple, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Temple, Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk (Worli Naka). It was launched on May 9, 2025. Its cost was Rs 9,500-10,000 crore.
Explained | Mumbai Metro-3: The Travel Upgrade & Traffic Respite Colaba, BKC, Worli Officegoers Were Waiting For
Last phase – Worli to Cuffe Parade: The phase three will have the following stations — Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, CSMT, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan, Cuffe Parade. It is expected to be ready by August 2025. Its cost is Rs 9,785 crore.
The 10-km phase from Worli (Acharya Atre Chowk) to Cuffe Parade is under construction. It is expected to open this year, with its work in advanced stages.

Phase 2A commenced services on 10th May 2025, allowing passengers to travel from #AareyJVLR to #AcharyaAtreChowk via Aqualine at these times.
MONDAY TO SATURDAY –
First train @ 6.30 am
Last train @ 10.30 pm

First train @ 8.30 am
Last train @ 10.30 pm… pic.twitter.com/OxZNDigGY0
— MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) May 13, 2025

Why Mumbai Metro-3 matters to officegoers?
It links major business zones: BKC, Worli, Dadar, plus airport access and SEEPZ tech park. Offers fast, reliable travel avoiding surface congestion, ideal for professionals in finance, corporate, and services sectors.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) saves a significant amount of travel time by offering fast, direct, and uninterrupted underground connectivity through the core of Mumbai.
Here’s how:
End-to-End Travel Time Reduction: Full Aarey to Cuffe Parade stretch once ready will be covered in 60 minutes. It takes 120-180+ minutes to cover the stretch by road during peak traffic.
BKC to Worli: 13-15 minutes by Metro vs 45-60 minutes by road
Andheri to Cuffe Parade: 45-50 minutes by Metro vs 90-120 minutes by road
CSIA T2 to BKC: 10-12 minutes by Metro vs 30-45 minutes by taxi in traffic

Phase 2A commenced services on 10th May 2025, allowing passengers to travel from #AareyJVLR to #AcharyaAtreChowk via Aqualine at these times.
MONDAY TO SATURDAY –
First train @ 6.30 am
Last train @ 10.30 pm

First train @ 8.30 am
Last train @ 10.30 pm… pic.twitter.com/OxZNDigGY0
— MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) May 13, 2025

Bypassing surface traffic
Being fully underground, Line 3 avoids road congestion, traffic lights, signal delays, and monsoon-related flooding. You move seamlessly from north to south without interruption.
Direct access to key hubs: Major business zones connected such as SEEPZ, MIDC, BKC, Worli, Lower Parel, Fort, Cuffe Parade. It will be directly connected to airport terminals (T1 & T2) saving time on airport transfers. Railway interchanges at Dadar, Mumbai Central, Churchgate, and CSMT make switching faster.
High frequency & reliability: Trains every 6-7 minutes during peak hours. Consistent, predictable schedules — no wait for BEST buses, taxis, or autos.
Avoids long detours: Previously, to go from Andheri to Fort or Cuffe Parade, commuters had to:
Take the Western Express Highway-Mahalaxmi-Peddar Road-Marine Drive
Or switch between autos, buses, trains, and taxis
Total trip: 2-3 different modes and 90 minutes
Metro-3 offers a single-seat ride, direct and clean.