The Mumbai Metro Aqua Line has entered its first phase of commercial operations, connecting the Bandra Kurla Complex business district to Aarey JVLR. The new metro system, equipped with Metropolis trainsets and signalling technology provided by Alstom India, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who flagged off the inaugural train from Aarey JVLR station. Spanning 33.5 km, this line stands as one of India’s longest continuous underground metro stretches and marks Mumbai’s first underground metro.
Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India, highlighted that the solutions for the Aqua Line represent cutting-edge technology, with driverless trains built entirely in India. The project signifies the company’s collaboration with Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) to create an efficient, world-class commuting experience for Mumbai’s growing population.
Alstom’s role in this project includes the production of 31 modern, lightweight trains, each consisting of 8 cars, and advanced signalling systems. The signalling technology enables fully automated, driverless operations using the Urbalis Forward CBTC system, featuring GOA4 – the highest level of automation. Other advanced features include computer-based interlocking, automatic train supervision, platform screen doors, and video communication between passengers and the Operations Control Centre (OCC).
The trainsets’ design draws inspiration from Mumbai’s dynamic culture and architecture, while interior spaces have been optimized to accommodate up to 3,000 passengers per trip. Accessibility is also prioritized, with dedicated wheelchair spaces in each train. Safety measures include face recognition security cameras, smoke detectors, emergency communication systems, and fire extinguishers. Passengers with luggage are also considered, with designated areas and clear signage inside the cars.
In a first for India, these metro cars feature 75% motorisation, allowing rapid acceleration and deceleration, which enhances operational efficiency. The trains are also equipped with a regenerative braking system that reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion by 35%, while being 96% recyclable and 99% recoverable.
Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the trains have been developed at Alstom’s Bangalore engineering centre and manufactured at the Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh. To date, 24 trainsets have been delivered to MMRCL.
Alstom, a global leader in urban mobility and communication-based train control (CBTC) technology, continues to lead the market with its Metropolis metros and innovative driverless train solutions, offering seamless travel experiences worldwide.
