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The metro train embarked on its journey along the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz (Metro 3) route, making its grand arrival in Dadar. (Photo: Times Now)
With 19 metro trains ready and a capacity for over 260 services in Phase I alone, Mumbai’s metro system is gearing up to redefine urban transportation in the region.
A metro train on a trial run entered Mumbai for the first time earlier this week, marking a huge milestone for the city’s metro rail system.
The train travelled successfully throughout the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz (Metro 3) route, arriving in Dadar. According to The Times of India, the train began its journey from the Aarey metro station.
Metro 3 is the only corridor that will service commuters from south Mumbai, while the other under-construction corridors are in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s suburbs and other locations.
Director (Projects) for the city’s metro network agency, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, SK Gupta stated that the first train arrived at Dadar metro station at about 3 pm. “After a few days, we will be to run trains more frequently not only upto Dadar but further south till Siddhivinayak Metro station,” Gupta said as quoted by The Economic Times.
Furthermore, once phase II is completed up to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli, the Dadar and Siddhivinayak stations will be open to commuters. There are 10 stations in Phase I (Aarey-BKC), but only six in Phase II (BKC-Acharya Atre Chowk).
Meanwhile, the metro agency has indicated that trials are now taking place between the Aarey and BKC stations. The metro train may be extended further south as construction develops. Full-fledged trials for Phase II will also begin once the Phase I corridor is operational. Once the metro train is operational up to Acharya Atre Chowk, the metro agency is expected to begin preparations for the trial of phase III, which will include 17 stops or stations.
Additionally, the metro agency states that it has 19 metro trains and is well equipped to run more than 260 services in phase I between BKC and Aarey. According to earlier announcements, phase I would open in April, phase II in July, and phase III by October.
Nevertheless, the trial run’s development suggests that these deadlines might be missed. After safety certification and approvals are received from concerned teams and departments, commercial operations will begin.
