Mumbai is all set to script history with the commissioning of the final stretch of its fully underground Aqua Line 3 between Science Centre in Worli and Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai.
The opening marks the beginning of a new commuting era for the latter area, connecting heritage precincts, business hubs, and railway interchanges with a world-class transport system. As Aqua Line opens on Thursday morning, mid-day sheds light on the 61 entry-exit points spread across the 11 stations that will become operational.
The stations on this stretch — Science Centre, Mahalaxmi, Jagannath Shankar Sheth (Mumbai Central), Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan, and Cuffe Parade — have been readied with multiple entry and exit points catering to nearby landmarks, transport nodes, and cultural hotspots. A one-way trip from Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade station will cost Rs 70.
Here is a station-by-station breakdown, with the number of functional open gates at each
6 Science Centre Metro
The very first station of the new line, Science Centre Metro, boasts six open gates. Gate A1 connects directly to Mahalaxmi Race Course, while B2 is aligned with the Nehru Science Centre. Gate B3 serves the luxury Four Seasons Hotel, A6 leads to Anand Niketan General Hospital, and A3-A4 open towards Haji Usman Seth Rakhangi Chowk.
7 Jagannath Shankar Sheth Metro (Mumbai Central)
This station has seven functional gates. This station has been designed for interchange with the busy Mumbai Central railway hub. While Gate A1 leads to Lamington Road, Gate A2 takes commuters directly to the Mumbai Central Suburban Railway Station. Gate A4 leads to the main Mumbai Central Railway Station. College students and medical staff will find easy access from gates B2 and B3, opening towards Nair Hospital Dental College & Hostel, while B4 connects to Maratha Mandir. Gate A5 is mapped to the MSRTC state transport bus depot, catering to outstation travellers.
3 Kalbadevi Metro
This station also has three functional gates. Reflecting the area’s residential and commercial character, Gate A1 opens near Kyani Bakery to Metro INOX Cinema, B1 to Kalbadevi Temple, and A2 connects to the C Ward Office.
7 Churchgate Metro
This station with seven gates, stitches the underground system with the southernmost suburban hub. Gate B2 leads directly to Churchgate Railway Station. Commuters can also exit at Eros Cinema (B1), Mantralaya (A1), or towards Air India Building (A2 and A3). A4 links to Yashodhan and A5 to the iconic Oval Maidan.
4 Cuffe Parade Metro
Finally, the southernmost terminal of Line 3 offers four entry-exits designed for both offices and residential colonies. Gate A1 opens at Backbay Bus Depot, while A2 is aligned with the World Trade Center. B1 exits at Machhimar Nagar, and B2 at the President Hotel.
6 Mahalaxmi Metro
This station also has six functional gates. Gates A1 and B5 lead to RTO Colony and Ghas Gali Road, while A2 connects to Agripada Police Station, making it convenient for officegoers and residents. For those headed to Dhobi Ghat, the tourism spot of open-air laundry, Gate B2 is the direct link, while B3 and A4 connect seamlessly to the Vivarea Towers.
3 Grant Road Metro
This station has three functional gates. Commuters can exit straight into Nana Chowk via Gate B1, reach Shree Babulnath Mandir through Gate A2, or walk up to Malabar Hills using Gate A1.
3 Girgaon Metro
This station too has three functional gates. It station integrates directly with cultural and religious hubs. Gate B1 opens to Girgaon Chowpatty junction, A1 leads to Zaoba Shri Ram Mandir, and A2 takes you to Chira Bazar’s Mini Fire Station.
6 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT Metro)
The 21st century, new age CSMT station has six functional gates. The Metro station sits at the heart of Mumbai’s colonial and transport landmarks. Gate A2 opens to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, while A1 leads to the BMC Head Office. Gate B1 is aligned with Cama & Albless Hospital, B2 with Metro INOX Cinema, and A4 opens to the Press Club, a haunt for journalists. Gate A3 connects to the Court of Small Causes, ensuring even the legal fraternity gets metro access.
8 Vidhan Bhavan Metro
Opening up to state power centres, the Vidhan Bhavan Metro station too has eight gates. Gate A1 connects to Veej Bhavan, A2 to Manora – Navin Amadar Niwas, while Gate B5 is mapped to Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan (state legislature). Gates B1 and B2 serve Mantralaya and Sachivalaya Gymkhana respectively, and A3 and B3 again serve Manora quarters. B4 is for the Air India Building.
8 Hutatma Chowk Metro
This has eight functional gates, one of the two with highest number so far among these eleven stations. The multiple exits cater to the city’s institutional hub. Gate A1 is aligned with the Hutatma Memorial, A2 with Siddharth College of Law, and A3 with the JN Petit Library & Reading Room. Gates B1 and A4 both link to the RBI Monetary Museum. B2 and B3 open towards Jeevan Udyog Building and Navsari Building respectively, while B4 gives a direct link to CSMT.
