8 new monorail routes for Mumbai

In an attempt to create alternative transport networks to ease Mumbai’s reliance on the suburban train networks — demonstrated by the chaos created by the motormen’s strike — Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is planning a 169 km-long monorail network to supplement the city's existing transport systems.

In an attempt to create alternative transport networks to ease Mumbai’s reliance on the suburban train networks — demonstrated by the chaos created by the motormen’s strike — Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is planning a 169 km-long monorail network to supplement the city's existing transport systems.

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After the MMRDA recently asked Lea Associates to come up with a master plan for building a monorail network in the city, the firm has suggested eight possible routes.

“We will have to get clearance in a meeting headed by the chief minister for starting these projects,” said Ratnakar Gaikwad, metropolitan commissioner.

The first phase of the proposed monorail lines will include five corridors: Seepz - Lokhandwala; Thane - Bhiwandi - Kalyan; Mulund - Goregaon; Virar - Chikaldongri and Thane - Dahisar. The MMRDA hopes to complete these by 2015.

The second phase will consist of three routes: the Kalyan Dombivli Ring Route; Chembur - Koparkhairane and Mahape - Kalyan. These are expected to be completed by 2021.

At present the 19.54 km-long monorail line between Jacob Circle to Chembur, via Wadala, is under construction. It is scheduled to be completed by May 2011.