Trains on Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line, are set to incorporate a front evacuation system to ensure the safety of passengers during emergencies, according to a report in the Indian Express. This system will allow for the smooth and secure exit of passengers from the train.

Unlike the side-evacuation system, where passengers exit onto a walkway positioned alongside the track, the front-evacuation system features evacuation doors at both the front and back of the train. These doors open upward on hinges, and a ramp is deployed to connect with the railway tracks, providing a safe means for passengers to disembark.

Passengers will have the option to walk through the entire length of the train and exit from either end, making the evacuation process more convenient and efficient. The front-evacuation system has been successfully implemented in various metro networks worldwide, including London, Paris, Berlin, Washington, Singapore, Dubai, China, Bangkok, as well as the Delhi Metro, Kolkata Metro (N-S), and Hyderabad Metro systems.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), responsible for implementing the project, has opted for the front evacuation system for Mumbai Metro Line 3 due to its underground nature. This line, also known as the Aqua Line, is the first underground metro line in Mumbai and one of the longest continuous underground stretches in India.

Covering a distance of approximately 33.5 km, the Aqua Line connects highly congested areas and major financial hubs in Mumbai, such as Nariman Point, Bandra-Kurla-Complex (BKC), Fort, Worli, Lower Parel, and Goregaon. It comprises a total of 27 stations, extending from the southern to the northern parts of the city.

Currently under construction, Mumbai Metro Line 3 has reached 87% completion and is expected to be operationalized in phases starting from the end of this year. The initial phase, between BKC and SEEPZ, is scheduled to open to the public by December. The operations and maintenance of Mumbai Metro Line 3 have been awarded to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for a period of 10 years. The DMRC will be responsible for managing daily operations, including the operations control centre, depot control centre, stations, train schedules, system management, and passenger safety.