Mumbai Metro to get by with help from Delhi

After receiving appreciation for constructing a wide network of metro corridors across the National Capital Region, that too in time, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been mentoring various metro projects being taken up in Mumbai

After receiving appreciation for constructing a wide network of metro corridors across the National Capital Region, that too in time, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been mentoring various metro projects being taken up in Mumbai.

With no expertise or hands-on experience of metro operations, the state government has roped in the DMRC to look after the technical and operational aspects of the three proposed metro lines in the city.

These lines are Dahisar-DN Nagar Metro 2A, DN Nagar-Mankhurd Metro 2B, and Dahisar E-Andheri E Metro 7. The DMRC will have to look after works line signaling, procurement of rakes, and operations and maintenance (O&M) of these lines.

Although the MMRDA has developed the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro 1 project earlier, it was actually constructed by a private developer on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. So the MMRDA is not considered to be adept at technical aspects and O&M.

While the DMRC will be solely responsible for civil and technical works and O&M of Metro 2A, it will carry out technical work and O&M of two other lines — Metro 7 and Metro 2B — after the MMRDA finishes their civil works.

Lately, the MMRDA has appointed contractors for construction of the elevated corridor and the Metro 7 stations.

The DMRC has shortlisted the contractors for the civil works of Metro 2A, which will be declared soon.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has already approved financial assistance for both the projects — Metro 2A and Metro 7 — and it has expressed its readiness to fund Metro 2B as well.

MMRDA commissioner UPS Madan said, “It is likely that Metro 2B will be partially funded by the ADB. Now, we are approaching the state government for its approval, which is expected to come this month. Subsequently, tenders will be invited.”

Eventually, Metro 2A and Metro 2B will be merged. It will boost connectivity between the western parts of the city and the eastern suburbs, reducing considerable burden on suburban stations at Dadar and Kurla.