Mumbai: Mumbai’s first underground Metro is set to begin phased operations starting October, according to state officials. The Rs 37,276 crore project is expected to be fully functional by 2025.

The first phase of Metro Line 3, covering 12.44 km between Aarey Depot and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), is scheduled for early October, subject to final approvals, as confirmed by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL).

MMRCL is building the Metro in two phases: the first from Aarey to BKC (12.44 km) and the second from BKC to Colaba (21.06 km), bringing the total cost to Rs 37,276 crore, a significant rise from the Rs 23,000 crore estimate in 2011.

Phase 2 is expected to launch by mid-2025. Once complete, the line will serve 1.3 million passengers daily and reduce travel times to 60 minutes. Upon opening in October, the Metro will join the city’s recent infrastructure successes, like the Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link and partially opened Coastal Road.

Ticket prices for the first phase will range from Rs 10 to Rs 50, with fares potentially increasing to Rs 70 when fully operational. Additionally, the line will generate non-fare revenue through 150,000 square feet of commercial space across various stations.