MMRDA revives plan to extend Metro 4 to SOBO

MUMBAI: In a bid to connect far-flung areas in Thane with south Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has revived its plan to extend

MUMBAI: In a bid to connect far-flung areas in Thane with south Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has revived its plan to extend the Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadavli Metro 4.

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The plan, however, is set to face tough competition from railways’ two ambitious projects – the fifth and sixth rail lines between CST and Kurla and the elevated rail corridor between CST and Panvel – because of lack of space on P D’ Mello road.

In addition, the MMRDA’s own plan to extend the Eastern Freeway will take up additional space. The railways and the MMRDA have held several meetings, but have failed to find a solution.

According to officials, an elevated corridor on P D’ Mello road, roughly from Orange Gate to Mint Road, can facilitate four rail lines or road lanes. The MMRDA wants two of them for its projects.

“They [railways] have not informed us about their plans. We have asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to check the feasibility of an extension to the metro line. After it gives a report, we will take a decision on whether to extend metro line or freeway,” said an MMRDA official.