In a latest development, the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station on Metro Line 3 (Colaba--Bandra--SEEPZ) has marked an overall progress of 54 per cent so far, according to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), the implementing authority. The BKC metro station is longest station on Metro Line 3.
At the BKC station there are total three tunnels which will be passing under the Mithi River. Currently, the work on 153 meter long third tunnel which is being constructed by using New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) technology is under progress. Overall, 77 per cent of the NATM tunnelling at BKC has been completed so far. While the other two tunnels between BKC to Dharavi have already been completed in August 2020 using tunnel boring machine (TBM), according to MMRC officials.
The NATM made tunnel will be used as stabling line to facilitate quicker train operations during peak hours. This will also work as sick lines to park a disabled train (if required), MMRC stated.
Unlike other stations on Metro Line 3 the BKC station will have three lines instead of two. It will also have two island platforms, to provide easy interchange from trains terminating at BKC. The station will have stabling lines and a seamless interchange with Metro Line 2B (Dahisar to DN Nagar Andheri) where commuters would not need to get out of stations of either Metro to change, reportedly.
Interestingly, the BKC Metro station has been planned as a crucial station and is expected to cater to the highest density along Metro Line 3.
