Mumbai Metro Line 3 Complete Guide: Route, Stations, Fare & Real Estate Impact

Mumbai's most ambitious metro project, the Aqua Line, is transforming how the city moves. This 33.5-kilometer underground marvel connects the financial heart of South Mumbai to the bustling western suburbs, promising to cut travel time drastically and reshape property values across its route.

What Makes Mumbai Metro Line 3 Special?

The Mumbai Metro Line 3, popularly known as the Aqua Line, stands as India's largest underground metro project. This engineering masterpiece spans 33.5 kilometers from Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai to Aarey Colony in the western suburbs, featuring 27 strategically placed stations.

What sets this metro apart is its almost entirely underground network – 26 stations are underground, with only Aarey Colony at ground level. This design ensures seamless integration with Mumbai's dense urban landscape while providing weather-proof, comfortable travel for millions of commuters.

Complete Route and Station Coverage

The Aqua Line's route strategically connects Mumbai's most important commercial and residential hubs. Starting from the prestigious Cuffe Parade area, it passes through iconic locations like Churchgate, Fort, Dadar, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and ends at Aarey Colony.

Key Areas Covered:

• South Mumbai: Cuffe Parade, Churchgate, Fort, CSMT
• Central Mumbai: Dadar, Worli, Mahalaxmi
• Western Suburbs: BKC, Bandra, Santacruz, Andheri
• Airport Connectivity: Direct access to both T1 and T2 terminals

Current Operation Status

As of August 2025, the Aqua Line operates in phases:

Phase 1: BKC to Aarey Colony (Operational since October 2024)

This 12.7-kilometer stretch includes 10 stations and serves the airport, SEEPZ, and major business districts. Key stations include:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T1 & T2
• Marol Naka
• MIDC Andheri
• SEEPZ
• Aarey Colony

Phase 2A: BKC to Worli (Operational since May 2025)

This 9.75-kilometer extension connects central Mumbai areas with 6 additional stations:

• Dharavi
• Dadar
• Siddhivinayak
• Worli
• Acharya Atre Chowk

Phase 3: Worli to Cuffe Parade (Expected August 2025)

The final stretch will complete the full line, adding South Mumbai's prime locations including Churchgate, CSMT, and Cuffe Parade.

Complete Station List with Opening Dates

Ticket Prices and Travel Costs

The fare structure is distance-based, making it affordable for both short and long journeys:

Example Journey Costs:

• BKC to Airport T2: ₹10 (3 km)
• Dadar to Andheri: ₹20 (12 km)
• Cuffe Parade to Aarey Colony: ₹50 (full route)

Operating Hours and Frequency

• Weekdays (Monday-Saturday): 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM
• Sundays: 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM

The metro runs with high frequency during peak hours, ensuring minimal waiting time for commuters.

Easy Ticketing Options

Multiple Payment Methods:

• NCMC Cards: National Common Mobility Card for seamless travel
• MetroConnect3 App: Mobile ticketing with route planning
• Ticket Vending Machines: Available at all stations
• QR Code Payments: Quick and contactless

The MetroConnect3 app is available in English, Hindi, and Marathi, making it accessible to all Mumbai residents.

Major Interchange Connections

The Aqua Line seamlessly connects with Mumbai's existing transport network:

Key Interchange Stations:

• Churchgate: Western Railway line
• CSMT: Central Railway and Harbour Line
• Mumbai Central: Western Railway and National Rail Network
• Dadar: Central and Western Railway hub
• BKC: Mumbai Metro Line 2
• Marol Naka: Mumbai Metro Blue Line 1
• SEEPZ: Mumbai Metro Line 6
• Airport T2: Mumbai Metro Red Line 7

Impact on Property Prices

The Aqua Line is already transforming real estate values along its route:

Areas Seeing Major Growth:

• Worli: Premium properties near metro stations command 15-20% higher prices
• BKC: Office spaces see increased demand due to metro connectivity
• Dharavi: Redevelopment projects gain momentum with metro access
• Andheri: Residential properties near MIDC station show strong appreciation

Investment Hotspots:

Properties within 500 meters of metro stations are experiencing significant value increases, making them attractive investment opportunities for those interested in successful home investment.

Travel Time Benefits

The Aqua Line dramatically reduces travel time across Mumbai:

Time Savings Examples:

• Cuffe Parade to Airport: 75 minutes (vs 120+ minutes by road)
• BKC to Dadar: 15 minutes (vs 45-60 minutes by road)
• Churchgate to Andheri: 45 minutes (vs 90+ minutes during peak hours)

Project Investment and Future

The ₹37,000 crore project represents one of India's largest metro investments. Despite initial delays due to environmental concerns and legal challenges, the project is now nearing completion.

Daily Ridership Expectations:

Once fully operational, the Aqua Line is expected to serve 17 lakh (1.7 million) passengers daily, significantly reducing Mumbai's traffic congestion.

Environmental Benefits

The Aqua Line contributes to Mumbai's sustainability goals:

• Reduced carbon emissions from private vehicles
• Decreased air pollution in congested areas
• Energy-efficient electric trains
• Underground design preserves surface space

Planning Your Journey

Best Practices:

• Download the MetroConnect3 app for real-time updates
• Use NCMC cards for faster entry and exit
• Check interchange connections for seamless travel
• Avoid peak hours (8-10 AM, 6-8 PM) when possible
• Plan buffer time during the initial months of operation

Future Expansion Plans

Mumbai Metro Line 3 is designed to integrate with future metro lines, creating a comprehensive network that will transform the city's public transportation landscape. Similar metro developments are also happening in other smart cities in India.

Conclusion

Mumbai Metro Line 3 represents more than just a transportation project – it's a catalyst for urban transformation. By connecting South Mumbai's business districts with western suburbs and the airport, it's reshaping how people live, work, and invest in the city.

The Aqua Line's impact extends beyond transportation, influencing property values, business locations, and quality of life for millions of Mumbaikars. As the final phase opens in August 2025, this underground marvel will complete Mumbai's most ambitious infrastructure project, setting new standards for urban mobility in India.

For residents, investors, and businesses, the Aqua Line opens new possibilities for connectivity, growth, and urban living. Whether you're commuting to work, traveling to the airport, or exploring investment opportunities, the Mumbai Metro Line 3 is transforming the Maximum City's future.