Aarey Car Shed 99% Complete as Final Inspection Team to Visit First Mumbai Underground Metro

Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Nears Completion:

Mumbai's first underground metro line is in its final stages of completion. The much-anticipated car shed (maintenance depot) at Aarey, essential for the metro's operation, is now over 99% complete. Final inspections are expected soon, indicating that the metro trains will be ready for service shortly.

Key Phase: Aarey to BKC

The first phase of the 33 km, 27-station Metro 3 line, stretching from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, will initially open from Aarey to BKC. Originally slated to open in 2021, this phase faced delays due to protests and legal issues related to the Aarey forest land, pushing the deadline to December 2023 and later to April 2024.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had announced the December deadline, while MMRC Managing Director Ashwini Bhide had extended it to April. However, as May ends, the line is still not operational. Sources indicate that the final preparations are now underway.

Completion Status of Aarey Car Shed

According to MMRC officials, the Aarey car shed is 99.50% complete. Key infrastructure, including the control room, 16 tracks for parking trains, maintenance workshops, and administrative buildings, are now in place, with final touches being added. Integrated Testing and Inspection The first phase requires nine trains with eight coaches each. The ninth train, which arrived slightly late, is now undergoing testing at speeds of up to 95 km/h. Each system is rigorously tested and certified by independent safety experts. These integrated tests will soon be presented to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) for certification.

Following RDSO's approval, the Metro Rail Safety Commissioner will inspect the line, aiming for commercial operations to begin by July, three months past the latest deadline.

Completion of Critical Works

The Aarey car shed required a curved track, for which MMRC obtained court permission to cut additional trees. This track is vital for pre- and post-maintenance testing of the trains. An independent substation for the car shed's power supply is also near completion. These critical works, along with the curved track, are almost finished, pending final train testing.

Conclusion

The progress of Mumbai's first underground metro signifies a major advancement in the city's infrastructure. The near completion of the Aarey car shed and the impending final inspections reflect meticulous planning and execution despite delays. This development is set to enhance urban mobility significantly, providing a robust and efficient transit solution for Mumbai's bustling population. This underground Metro will also impact real estate prices in a big way in that location. The strategic completion of critical works like the curved track and power substation underscores the comprehensive efforts to ensure operational readiness and safety of the metro line.