Capital idea: Mumbai Metro to get help from Delhi

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, already entrusted with reviewing master plan and preparing feasibility and project reports, now offers to build 30-35km of metro tracks

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which built 193 km of metro tracks in the capital in record time, could be the answer to the Mumbai Metro’s woes. DMRC was roped in by the state government in June to revise the master plan of the Mumbai Metro, prepared in 2004, and review detailed project reports (DPR) of three routes. It has now offered to execute one or two metro rail corridors, between 30 and 35 km long.

Mumbai’s first metro line, Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar, is the only one in operation. The MMRDA-promoted Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation is implementing the Colaba-SEEPZ line. DMRC has also promised to finalise DPRs for three other routes by September and submit feasibility reports on another three routes by August (see box). If MMRDA has its way, work on some of these routes may take off by the end of December.

“We want to prioritise around 138 km of metro network in the city. We roped in DMRC to learn from their experience and speed up the project. We want to start work on two or three corridors simultaneously. In the past 10 years only one metro corridor was completed by the previous government. That doesn't work,” said a senior state secretariat official, who did not wish to be named.

A senior MMRDA official said, “DMRC is likely to be given charge of executing some corridors. However, the routes will be decided once the DPRs are finalised.”

It is learnt that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is keen on speeding up the project, met the DMRC’s managing director on his most recent visit to Delhi in June. This was followed by a meeting between DMRC and MMRDA officials this month.

As a follow up, DMRC’s business development director S D Sharma, in a letter to MMRDA commissioner UPS Madan on July 10, wrote, “Regarding actual execution, DMRC can take up one or two corridors, totaling about 30-35 km. For the balance corridors, DMRC can provide necessary assistance to MMRDA in preparation of bid documents, tender designs, fixing of detail design consultant and project management consultant. DMRC can also assist during execution as a system integrator.”

The agency will review the Mumbai Metro master plan after the MMRDA completes the proposed comprehensive traffic and transport study.