According to a Mid-Day report, the stations near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport are expected to be delayed until next year. These two stations are key components of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiative, which aims to spur development around metro stations, improving accessibility for daily commuters. When fully operational, these stops will serve as major transit hubs, linking Aqua Line 3 to the under-construction Red Line 7A and the planned Airport Express Gold Line 8, offering seamless transfers for passengers.
Initial launch to cater 10 stations
For the initial launch, the metro line will feature 10 stations, including the eventual airport stops. Nine trains will be in operation, with seven serving passengers and two on standby for maintenance and emergencies. The service will run 260 round trips daily, from 6 AM to 11 PM, based on passenger demand.
A standout feature of the metro’s Terminal 2 station is its design. Situated two levels beneath a vast TOD complex, which spans 645,835 square feet, the station will boast India’s tallest escalators and three entry and exit points from the Andheri side, promising a future of modern, efficient travel.
While the airport stations are delayed, officials have reassured the public that this will have minimal impact. The Aqua Line 3 is designed as a regular metro service, rather than a dedicated airport express route, so most commuters will be unaffected.
All you need to know about Aqua Line 3
The Aqua Line 3 is a key part of the 33.5 km Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 corridor. Once complete, the project is expected to transform the city’s transport landscape. The corridor will connect 26 underground stations, with links to suburban rail services and other metro lines at eight key locations. Notable connections include major rail terminals like Mumbai CSMT, Churchgate, and Dadar, as well as integrations with the Monorail at Mahalaxmi and Metro Line 1 at BKC.