September 18, 2025: The Kalbadevi and Girgaon metro stations, once facing exclusion from the initial launch due to civil and systems-related delays, are now set to open alongside the final 9.5-kilometre stretch of Metro Line 3 between Worli and Cuffe Parade. According to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), the implementing authority, both stations have overcome significant hurdles and are on track for commissioning.
Situated in some of south Mumbai’s most congested and structurally sensitive areas, construction at these sites posed unique challenges. With road widths as narrow as nine metres, engineers were required to preserve at least six metres for traffic while undertaking excavation. Complications also arose from land acquisition disputes and the presence of more than 300 structurally fragile, and in many cases heritage, buildings along the alignment.
To manage the risks, MMRCL employed the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), allowing deep excavation with minimal surface disruption. Controlled blasting was conducted under strict vibration limits, and extensive monitoring systems ensured surrounding structures were safeguarded. Notably, no residents were displaced during tunnelling operations.
Operationally, skipping the two stations was never a viable option. Metro Line 3 is designed as a high-frequency, automated corridor using Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), where each station is integral to system logic and train communication. Omission would have required complex reprogramming and significant adjustments.
The project also carried a human dimension. Construction affected 19 buildings and 634 families, who were offered in-situ rehabilitation. All displaced residents received upgraded housing — in many cases, dwellings double the size of their previous units.
With commissioning now imminent, officials say Kalbadevi and Girgaon stand as vital components of Metro Line 3. “This breakthrough reflects meticulous planning, engineering innovation, and consistent community engagement,” an MMRCL spokesperson said.
Source: Times Of India
