Mumbai, 8th October 2024: Mumbai’s ambitious first underground Metro Line 3, (Phase 1: Aarey to BKC), funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Government of Japan, was inaugurated on 5th October 2024 by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. This momentous event was also attended by the honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, and the Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, Shri YAGI Koji. The project represents a major milestone in the development of Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure.
During his address in Thane prior to his visit to Mumbai, the honourable Prime Minister stated, “The people of Mumbai have been eagerly awaiting this metro line. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Japanese government. The Japan International Cooperation Agency has been a great support to this project, making the Metro a symbol of India-Japan friendship.”
Commenting on the launch, Shri TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “The Mumbai Metro Line 3 represents the future of urban transportation in India. This Significant progress has been achieved through the enduring cooperation between the Governments of India and Japan. The project not only enhances transportation within the economic hub of Mumbai but also contributes to building a more sustainable and resilient future. By addressing crucial matters like traffic congestion and urban mobility, we aspire to enhance the quality of life for millions of Mumbai’s residents, in alignment with JICA’s commitment to creating smarter and sustainable cities.”
As the city’s first fully underground metro system, Line 3 is designed to accommodate approximately 1.5 million passengers daily. Trains will operate every three to four minutes, with each trip capable of carrying around 2,500 passengers. Once fully operational, the line will significantly boost connectivity across Mumbai, reducing travel time from the airport to South Mumbai to approximately 45 minutes. Passengers will be able to travel this section in less than half the time compared to traveling by car. The line is expected to commence full operations (both Phase 1 and Phase2) by March 2025.
The project will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by easing traffic congestion caused by the use of automobiles. The climate change mitigation benefit of the project is expected to be approximately 261,968 tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
JICA has played a pivotal role in the development of Mumbai Metro Line 3, providing essential financial assistance and technical expertise. This project aligns with India’s development policies and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including promoting sustainable economic growth, building resilient infrastructure, making cities inclusive and sustainable, and combating climate change.
For the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project, JICA has provided financial support through multiple tranches: JPY 71,000 million Tranche 1 (2013), JPY 100,000 million Tranche II (2018), JPY 39,928 million Tranche III (2019), and JPY 58,943 million Tranche IV (2024). Additionally, the project received JPY 84,261 million as the 5th and final tranche in July 2024.