The first look of Mumbai's first underground Metro Aqua Line 3, connecting Aarey and BKC, was unveiled on Tuesday

The phase one of the Metro Aqua Line 3 between Aarey and BKC, slated to open on October 4, may open without the two airport stations on the line

The 33.5 km long Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 Corridor is a key project to improve the transportation scenario in the city with 26 underground stations

The trains will operate at a frequency of about three-four minutes, ferrying approximately 2,500 passengers on each train, which will be of eight coaches. The system is designed to run the train at a two-minute frequency by simply procuring and introducing additional trains

Apart from easing commutes, the metro line will link six major employment and business hubs: Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC

Once fully operational, this 33.5-km line between Colaba and Seepz is expected to serve an estimated daily passenger capacity of 1.7 million

Passengers will be asked to scan their baggage and security personnel will also frisk the commuters before boarding the trains to ensure safety

The stations and trains will be under 24X7 surveillance of CCTV cameras

The authorities also said that trespassing is not possible. The stations and platforms would be well-lit and there will be segregated space allocation for women passengers on the trains

The barrier-free design will facilitate better accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and the stations will have retail areas, washrooms with baby diaper-changing facilities and signages in two-three languages

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The system is designed to run the train at a two-minute frequency by simply procuring and introducing additional trains

The state has generated employment opportunities for around 15,000 people during the construction of the metro line and 2,000 jobs in the post-construction phase

The barrier-free design will facilitate better accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and the stations will have retail areas, washrooms with baby diaper-changing facilities and signages in two-three languages