Mumbai Metro Line 3 Inaugurates Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk Stretch. Enhancing Urban Mobility in Mumbai with JICA's support.

 Mumbai Metro Line 3 project plays a crucial role in developing a modern, sustainable, and connected urban future

Mumbai, 9 May 2025

A key stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3, running from Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk, has officially been inaugurated—marking significant progress in the city’s underground metro infrastructure. The project, led by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), is supported through financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, in collaboration with the Government of India.

Commenting on the milestone, TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, stated: “The partial opening of Mumbai Metro Line 3 highlights our shared commitment to strengthening sustainable urban mobility in India. This development moves us closer to building a more efficient, inclusive, and eco-friendly public transportation system in Mumbai. Offering faster and more accessible commuting options, this stretch will greatly improve the daily travel experience for thousands. We remain committed to supporting the successful completion of the full corridor.”

Spanning nearly 34 kilometers, Mumbai Metro Line 3 is the city’s first fully underground metro corridor, connecting the southern business hub of Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ in north-central Mumbai. Featuring 26 underground stations and one at-grade station, the project aims to reduce road traffic congestion, improve travel safety, and shorten daily commute times. With this phase’s inauguration, six more stations are now operational, increasing the total to 16 metro stations.

Notably, travel time from the airport to Acharya Atre Chowk Station will now be around 27 minutes, less than half the duration it takes by car dramatically improving connectivity to Mumbai airport.

The project also focuses on inclusive and safe commuting, with women-only coaches, priority seating, and advanced surveillance systems across trains and stations. By improving accessibility and travel comfort, this stretch contributes to a broader mission of enhancing urban infrastructure in Mumbai.

Environmentally, the metro will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an estimated 261,968 tons of CO₂ equivalent annually, supporting climate-resilient urban development.

With a total project cost of JPY 680,692 million, JICA has provided JPY 354,132 million in financial support across five tranches since 2013.

As a flagship collaboration between JICA and India, the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project plays a crucial role in developing a modern, sustainable, and connected urban future. It supports broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, improving public transport in Mumbai, and building smart, livable cities for future generations.