October 03, 2025: Nearly a century after the last train departed from Colaba on the Bombay Baroda and Central India Railway, trains are returning to the neighbourhood in the form of the modern Mumbai Metro. The final stretch of the Aqua Line 3, from Worli to Cuffe Parade, is set to open on October 8, reconnecting Colaba to Mumbai’s rail map after 95 years.
Line 3 spans 33 km from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, with 27 stations, 26 of which are underground. Authorities have been opening the corridor in phases — the Aarey JVLR to BKC stretch began operations in October 2024, followed by BKC to Worli in May 2025. The line currently caters to around 70,000 passengers daily.
Ahead of the inauguration, mid-day reviewed the 11 stations on the new stretch. At the Science Centre, ticket counters and CCTV systems were in place, though some debris remained. At Mahalaxmi, construction was ongoing around narrow footpaths, while Jagannath Shankar Sheth station had completed gates but crowded pavements. Grant Road’s station was nearly ready, with shopkeepers hoping business would recover after years of disruption.
In Girgaon, residents expected relief from traffic congestion once operations began. Workers at Kalbadevi said, “We are putting the final touches, such as scraping off the paint, etc. We are completely ready for the inauguration.” Stations at CSMT, Hutatma Chowk, and Churchgate also appeared nearly complete.
At Vidhan Bhavan, taxi drivers expressed concerns about their business. “When the line was opened up to Worli, many taxi drivers came to our area to ply their trade, but when this line starts, where will we go?” said Irfan Ahmed Ansari.
Cuffe Parade, the terminal station, had most gates ready, though debris still lined the footpath. “All work will be completed in the next four to five days,” said Angoo Chawhan, a station worker.
Source: Mid-day
