The Mumbai Metro project has achieved a major tunnel breakthrough, marking a critical step forward in the city’s push toward modern, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility. The breakthrough, part of the ambitious Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) underground corridor, is expected to reduce travel time by up to 60 minutes, easing the burden on the city’s overworked suburban railway system and congested roads.
The tunnel boring machine (TBM) named after the local deity “Vaitarna” completed its underground drilling between Girgaon and Grant Road, marking the successful culmination of one of the most challenging phases of the project. This particular stretch passes beneath densely populated neighborhoods, heritage buildings, and crucial infrastructure, demanding extreme precision and technological expertise.
A Boost to Urban Mobility
The 33.5-km-long Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is Mumbai’s first fully underground metro route. Once operational, it will connect South Mumbai to the Western Suburbs, linking areas such as Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Marine Lines, Mahalaxmi, Bandra, and SEEPZ.
The newly completed tunnel section will facilitate faster construction of stations and track laying, which will expedite the overall progress of the corridor. With 27 stations — 26 of which are underground — the line will play a pivotal role in reducing the load on Mumbai’s lifeline: the suburban railway network.
According to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), the metro line is expected to cut travel time between Colaba and SEEPZ from 90 minutes to just 30 minutes during peak hours. This represents not only a dramatic improvement in commute duration but also a boost in comfort, efficiency, and accessibility.
Engineering Feat in a Crowded City
Tunneling beneath Mumbai’s old and crowded localities is no easy feat. The area where the recent breakthrough was achieved is home to centuries-old buildings, narrow lanes, and deep-rooted utilities. Engineers had to carefully navigate this complexity using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines and continuous real-time monitoring to prevent damage to surface structures.
A senior MMRCL official said that the breakthrough is a testament to the meticulous planning, skilled workforce, and engineering excellence involved in delivering Mumbai’s most challenging metro project to date.
The TBM “Vaitarna” has been one of the key machines working on multiple stretches, equipped with pressure balancing features and designed to work in varying soil and rock conditions commonly found beneath the city.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Beyond just time savings, the metro expansion promises significant environmental benefits, including reduced air pollution and carbon emissions. With over 17 lakh vehicles registered in Mumbai, the metro is expected to pull a substantial number of daily commuters away from private vehicles and overcrowded local trains.
Additionally, the metro will reduce fuel consumption and traffic congestion on key arterial roads, bringing long-term economic and environmental gains. Once completed, Line 3 alone is expected to cater to over 17 lakh commuters daily, according to estimates from MMRCL.
What’s Next
While the breakthrough marks a critical milestone, the project still has a few hurdles ahead. The installation of tracks, signaling systems, ventilation, and station finishing works are in progress. The MMRCL has committed to making the entire line operational by mid-2025, with trial runs on certain stretches expected to begin later this year.
The Maharashtra government has also emphasized that the metro rollout is a top infrastructure priority, aiming to integrate it with other transportation services like BEST buses and local trains through a seamless ticketing and mobility system.
A Vision Realized
The tunnel breakthrough in Mumbai is more than just a technical achievement — it represents a vision of a future-ready city, where clean, fast, and safe transportation is accessible to all. As Mumbai continues to grow, its metro system will be central to redefining how citizens live, move, and work, turning one of India’s most congested cities into a model of urban transit efficiency.