National, 9 May 2025: A key stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3, from Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk, has been inaugurated - marking steady progress in the city’s underground metro network. The project is being implemented by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, in partnership with the Government of India.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “The partial opening of Mumbai Metro Line 3 highlights our shared commitment to strengthening sustainable urban mobility in India. It brings us closer to realizing a more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly transport network in Mumbai. By offering faster, more accessible commute options, this line will significantly improve the daily travel experience of thousands of passengers. Our cooperation with the Government of India and MMRCL has been instrumental in this achievement, and we remain committed to supporting the successful completion of the full corridor.”
Mumbai Metro Line 3, spanning approximately 34 kilometers, is the city’s first underground metro line and will connect the southern business district of Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ in north-central Mumbai. With 26 underground and 1 at-grade station, the project is expected to significantly reduce congestion, shortern travel times, and provide a safer, more comfortable commuting experience.
Once fully operational, it is expected to serve about 1.5 million passengers daily, with trains running every three to four minutes. 6 stations have become operational in this phase, bringing the total number of operational stations to 16. Travel time from the airport to Acharya Atre Chowk Station will be reduced to approximately 27 minutes. Passengers will be able to travel this section in less than half the time it would take by car.
In addition to enhancing urban mobility, the project promotes inclusive travel through features such as women-only coaches, priority seating, and surveillance systems to enhance safety in both stations and trains. The operationalization of this section is expected to provide immediate benefits to daily commuters while contributing to broader climate goals by easing road traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an estimated 261,968 tons of CO₂ equivalent annually.
The total cost of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project is estimated at JPY 680,692 million, with JICA providing financial support of JPY 354,132 million through five tranches since 2013.
As a key initiative under JICA’s partnership with India, the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project is a step toward building a modern, connected, and climate-resilient urban future. By improving everyday access to safe, affordable, and efficient public transport, the project not only enhances quality of life for millions of commuters but also supports broader goals around reducing emissions, easing traffic congestion, and shaping sustainable cities for tomorrow.
About JICA
Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation.
JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.
JICA India Office Web: https://www.jica.go.jp/india/english/index.html
JICA India Brochure (2024-2025): brochure_33.pdf (jica.go.jp)
JICA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jicaindiapr/
JICA India Chief Representative’s X account: https://x.com/CR_JICAIndia
