Mumbai: MMRDA mulls elevated Metro corridors

After indicating that most of its metro projects would be constructed underground, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), has now decided to revisit the original plan, which envisaged a network of elevated metro corridors in Mumbai.

After indicating that most of its metro projects would be constructed underground, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), has now decided to revisit the original plan, which envisaged a network of elevated metro corridors in Mumbai.

“We plan to construct most of planned metro projects as elevated corridors since they can be implemented faster and are cost-effective,” said Sanjay Sethi, additional commissioner, MMRDA.

The plan drafted by the MMRDA last year indicated almost all future metro projects would be constructed as underground corridors. This in turn would ensure the MMRDA would not have to deal with issues such as rehabilitation of the project-hit people and seeking various clearances, among others, which could delay the projects further. However, the plan increased the cost of the project multifold.

The cost to construct the Metro 2 and Metro 4 lines would cost Rs25,606 crore and Rs19,097 crore, respectively, if they were developed underground. The MMRDA had plans to raise fund through financial assistance from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank or Japanese bank.

The MMRDA has appointed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to review the detailed project reports (DPRs) of all the city’s planned metro projects. “The DMRC has started reviewing the DPRs and will come up with a report in three months,” said Sethi.

Although the Metro 3 line will be constructed underground, all the future metro projects, including the Metro 2 line, are likely to be developed on elevated corridors.

The Metro 3 line will be developed from Colaba to Seepz via Bandra, while the Metro 2 line will be constructed from Mankhurd to Dahisar via Bandra.

No decision has been taken on the Metro 4 — Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kasarvadavali – line as of now, said Sethi. The corridor of the line is being planned as mostly underground and partially elevated.