Metro Rail News conducted an exclusive interview with Smt Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC) During the interview, MD highlighted the critical aspects of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project, including the challenges and operational deadlines of Phase 2A and Phase 2B of Line 3. Ms. Bhide also elaborated on the project’s impact on reducing traffic congestion, last-mile connectivity initiatives, and revenue generation strategies through non-fare box sources. She further shared her insights on the role of women in the infrastructure sector, the challenges they face, and the need for leadership programs to empower more women in urban infrastructure development. Here are the edited excerpts:
1. To begin with, could you share with us your journey in public service and how you decided to pursue a career in civil services?
➡️ Reflecting on my journey spanning over the 27 years, I would say, it has been a rewarding and transformative experience. I have contributed to one of the most ambitious, complex and mega urban infrastructure projects in the city from Coastal Road project as AMC of BMC, Mumbai Metro Line 3 as MD of MMRC, Eastern Freeway, the elevated road to International Airport, several flyovers on major arterial roads and rail over bridges including Milan ROB as well as the first phase of Mumbai Monorail with MMRDA.
➡️ I did my BA in literature from Willingdon College in Sangli, and while pursuing my postgraduation in Pune, I began preparing for UPSC exams. One of my relatives who worked at the Mantralaya had informed me about IAS as a career option. Back then, the usual route for meritorious students was medical or engineering. But I thought I should do something different. My journey began with challenges that included an information deficit in an era without the internet. By following two or three years of preparation, I passed the UPSC exam in 1995 and took first place among the female candidates, something I had never anticipated. I believe that nobody can stop one from achieving success once one makes a decision and begins taking organised steps.
➡️ The path has been filled with growth, challenges, and valuable lessons. The journey has been marked by opportunities that allowed me to expand my skills and contribute meaningfully in executing these diverse infrastructure projects in a city like Mumbai. While there were inevitable challenges along the way, each obstacle served as a stepping stone, pushing me to adapt, learn, and innovate. Overcoming these challenges has not only strengthened my skills but also deepened my resilience and determination.
2. Given the underground nature of Line 3, what technical challenges did the project face, and how were they resolved?
➡️ The Metro-3 Corridor is one of the most complex and difficult urban infrastructure projects executed in the financial capital of the country. MMRC has used state-of-the-art technology during the execution of the project to protect existing buildings and heritage structures along the alignment route. It’s the first time in India that a project deployed 17 TBMs, which were working simultaneously at a time. The 26 underground stations on the Corridor were constructed by using the cut-n’-cover method (19 stations) and a combination of New Austrian Tunnelling and cut-n’-cover methods (7 stations).
➡️ The challenges faced while constructing the stations are varied – locations were in close proximity of congested areas, dilapidated buildings, heritage precincts, flyover, metro lines etc. The most daunting task was tunnelling beneath the Mithi River. However, the teams of experts and engineers surmounted such challenges by using the latest technical know-how and engineering expertise.
➡️ Most of the stations of Metro-3 are constructed below existing roads. To ensure smooth movement of traffic, MMRC had installed steel decks and deployed traffic marshals in coordination with traffic department and MCGM to provide uninterrupted services to citizens while carrying out the construction work.
➡️ The resettlement and rehabilitation is yet another major aspect of this iconic Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 Corridor. While implementing the project, about 2,856 hutment dwellers have been provided with permanent rehabilitation at Kurla and Chakala and the remaining 734 families, which were on private land (legal title holders), will be provided accommodation in-situ in three buildings – K2, K3 and G3 – which are being constructed at Kalbadevi and Girgaon.
➡️ With the help of advanced technology and a team of experts, MMRC has successfully carried out all the tasks ensuring that there is minimum inconvenience to Mumbaikars during the construction of Metro Line-3.
3. With the 12.69 km section of Mumbai Metro Line 3 already operational, what is the current status of the project, and when do you anticipate it will be fully operational?
➡️ The overall phase-2 progress from BKC to Cuffe Parade stands at 93.1%. We are in the process to open part operations of Phase-2 from Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk which is called the Phase-2A, consisting of 6 nos of metro stations. Phase 2A is expected to offer a Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspection in the month of March and subsequent commissioning.
➡️ Simultaneously, the works on the remaining stretch, which is phase 2B from Science Centre to Cuffe Parade, are in full swing. The project is expected to be fully operational by July 2025.
4. What impact has Line 3 had on reducing traffic congestion so far, and how do you see it supporting the city’s long-term transportation needs?
➡️ Once the corridor is fully operational, it will certainly revolutionise urban mobility in the city, transforming the daily commute for the Mumbaikars. Phase-1 from Aarey JVLR to BKC provides connectivity to both domestic and international airport terminals, as well as to BKC.
➡️ Phase 2B will connect Central and Western railways via CSMT and Churchgate stations. Line 3 will provide connectivity to 6 major business and employment centers, including Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. Also, easy access to over 30 educational institutes, 13 hospitals, 14 religious places, and over 30 recreational facilities.
➡️ It will also provide connectivity to the parts of the city that are unconnected by rail-based transport networks like Worli, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, and more. By providing a fast, reliable, and efficient transportation option, we expect to reduce traffic congestion, decrease travel time, and promote economic growth. This project will also catalyze infrastructure development, stimulate urban renewal, and enhance the overall quality of life for Mumbaikars.
5. What distinguishes Mumbai Metro Line 3 from other metro lines in the city? What modern technologies have been integrated to improve safety and operations?
➡️ Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) is the first and only fully underground metro in the city. It offers fully air-conditioned, ergonomically designed coaches for the utmost commuter comfort. Closed doors for coaches and full-length platform screen doors for additional safety. We have used an attention – low vibration system in the track to ensure the safety of heritage buildings. Apart from this, we have installed one of the tallest escalators at the Airport station.
➡️ We have also accomplished tunneling beneath the Mithi river using precast concrete segment rings incorporating a specialized mushroom-type EPDM gasket, which we believe is the 1st of its kind in the world.
➡️ Besides this, CAMS Predictive Maintenance module implementation using AI and several innovative features, including advanced signaling systems and high-capacity trains, have been used for Line 3. We’ve also incorporated sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient systems. Additionally, our stations are designed with universal accessibility and safety features, ensuring a comfortable, safe, efficient and secure travel experience for all commuters.
6. What steps is MMRC taking to provide last-mile connectivity and encourage greater usage of the metro?
➡️ MMRC is working to create better last-mile connectivity for commuters. We’re exploring options for integrated last-mile connectivity solutions and have taken up Multi-Modal Integration (MMI) works in coordination with all other stakeholders and service providers at Aqua Line (Metro-3) stations, ensuring seamless connectivity and convenience for passengers.
7. How has the Mumbai Metro Line 3 performed in terms of revenue generation so far? What measures are MMRC implementing to ensure the long-term financial viability of the project?
➡️ MMRC aims to generate revenue through non-fare box sources. The revenue streams include generating revenue through station naming rights, renting retail/commercial spaces at stations, through advertising etc.
8. As a woman leader in the infrastructure sector, what challenges have you faced, and how have you managed to resolve them?
➡️ The infrastructure sector is a complex and challenging field, and I believe a woman leader faces several challenges by navigating it through daily. I would say that many old learnings came in handy for me while dealing with challenging factors over the years. It needed a lot of energy and patience. Though all of it has been a life-changing experience with a lot of interventions—socially, location-wise and infrastructure-related.
9. What measures do you think shall be taken to encourage more women to take on leadership roles in urban infrastructure, particularly in metro projects?
➡️ I believe that the urban infrastructure sector is very engaging and that a woman entering this sector could experience significant career progression.
➡️ In my opinion, there’s a crucial need for empowerment programs and training programs that equip women with leadership skills, resource mobilization strategies, and advocacy techniques. These programs will empower them to navigate challenges and become even more effective leaders.
10. What measures could be taken to better support women in the infrastructure sector, both at the policy level and in workplace culture?
➡️ Women continue to face numerous challenges in the workplace that hinder their professional growth and advancement.
It is important to recognize that addressing these issues requires a collective effort and a sustained commitment to change. Employers, employees, and society as a whole must take action to address these issues and create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
11. What message would you like to convey to the reader of Metro Rail News?
➡️ I am delighted to connect with you through this platform on the progress and developments of Metro Line-3 project. We encourage you to stay connected with us for more updates, as we promise to continue delivering efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation to the Mumbaikars.
