The commencement of operations on the 11 km Line 1 of the Metro, connecting Belapur terminus and Pendhar in Navi Mumbai, has garnered a positive response from commuters.
This success has propelled the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to shift its focus towards expediting the commissioning of the remaining Lines 2, 3, and 4.
The proposed Lines 2, 3, and 4 hold significant importance as they are set to terminate at the Navi Mumbai International Airport terminal, providing a new and faster mode of transportation.
Consultants engaged five months ago are poised to submit the detailed project report (DPR) soon.
“There are three more elevated metro lines in development, serving as extensions of Line 1 to enhance the transportation system to the upcoming airport. Lines 2, 3, and 4 will extend from Pendhar, passing through MIDC Taloja and even parts of Khandeshwar. The DPRs for these lines are expected to be finalised in the next two months,” revealed a senior CIDCO official.
With over a lakh commuters having utilised Line 1, the daily revenue report indicates a substantial income of nearly Rs 39 lakh from ticket sales, conducted both online and through cash transactions.
Joint Managing Director Rajesh Patil stated, “The feedback for Line 1 of the Metro is exceedingly positive, with an average of over 15,000 daily commuters using the line for travel between Belapur and Taloja. This momentum is crucial in hastening the commissioning of the other lines.”
The initiation of Line 1 in November has necessitated a fresh DPR due to the extensive time taken for its implementation, reports Hindustan Times.
The earlier DPR, prepared in 2011, required updating to assess the current status of the area, including bridge alignment, encroachments, and the presence of a Coastal Regulation Zone, according to an official statement.
In addition to focusing on Lines 2, 3, and 4, CIDCO is actively exploring the feasibility of extending the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Metro Rail Line, known as Lines 8, between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai Airport.
A new DPR is underway to identify the most suitable corridor for extending services from Mankhurd to the Airport.