Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Mumbai today. His visit includes the inauguration of Mumbai’s first underground metro corridor, the Navi Mumbai International Airport, and a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on October 9.
Mumbai’s First Underground Metro Corridor Fully Operational
PM Modi will inaugurate the final 10.99-kilometre stretch of the Aqua Line (Metro Line 3) between Acharya Atre Chowk and Cuffe Parade.
With this, the 33.5-km underground metro corridor from Cuffe Parade to Aarey JVLR in Goregaon becomes fully operational.
The new line will reduce travel time between South Mumbai and Goregaon to about one hour. It will also ease road traffic, cut fuel use, and help reduce pollution in the city.
According to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), the Aqua Line will reduce the suburban railway load by 15% and save 3.54 lakh litres of fuel daily. It will also prevent over 6.6 lakh vehicle trips each day.
The final phase adds 11 new underground stations, improving connectivity to South Mumbai’s heritage areas, offices, and business hubs. This section has been built at a cost of ₹12,195 crore, while the total cost of the entire line exceeds ₹37,270 crore.
Benefits of the Aqua Line
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Direct link from Cuffe Parade to Aarey JVLR
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Access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from South Mumbai
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Faster travel — from 2 hours to just 1 hour
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Connection with Central and Western Railways at CSMT, Mumbai Central, and Churchgate
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Improved access to 13 hospitals, 30 schools, and 30 recreational centres
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Expected ridership: 13 lakh commuters per day
The project also created a record in Indian construction history with the use of 17 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) at once.
The MMRCL has planted 23,000 trees and taken up mangrove restoration as part of environmental conservation. It also rehabilitated 1,941 families in ownership flats and 733 in temporary housing.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Inauguration
Later in the day, PM Modi will inaugurate Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Built under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project cost about ₹19,650 crore.
NMIA will work with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to handle growing air traffic in the Mumbai region. It will be able to manage 9 crore passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo every year.
The airport is designed as one of the world’s most efficient and eco-friendly airports. It will also be India’s first airport connected by Water Taxi, offering faster and greener travel options.
PM Modi to Meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
On October 9 at 10 a.m., Prime Minister Modi will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Mumbai.
The meeting will focus on strengthening trade, investment, and innovation ties between India and the United Kingdom.
A Major Step Forward for Mumbai
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the new projects mark a major step in Mumbai’s development.
Together, the Metro Line 3, Navi Mumbai Airport, and the “Mumbai One” mobility app will improve urban travel, reduce congestion, and connect millions of commuters efficiently.
The projects are expected to transform Mumbai’s public transport system and make the city’s infrastructure greener and more advanced.
