Metro Expansion Boosts Mumbai’s Connectivity

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has made significant strides in advancing the city’s metro infrastructure with the recent approval of key enhancements to Metro Lines 5 and 9. The executive committee of MMRDA met on July 24, 2024, and greenlit several crucial initiatives aimed at expanding and improving the metro network across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The MMRDA’s latest move includes the appointment of contractors for various tasks related to the second phase of Metro Lines 5 and 9. This encompasses the design, supply, and fabrication of steel structures as well as architectural finishing for six stations on Metro-5, which extends from Balkum to Dhamankar Naka. The total length of this segment is 11.8 km. Additionally, the MMRDA has approved the construction of a new depot for Metro-9. Metro Line 9, also known as the Red Line, will see enhancements in last-mile connectivity and overall accessibility with the introduction of multi-modal facilities at eight of its stations.

This line, spanning 11.38 km, has made substantial progress with 87% of the work completed. The MMRDA has awarded tenders in two separate packages for the development of efficient dispersal plans from these stations. The line includes eight elevated stations: Dahisar, Pandhurang Wadi, Miragaon, Kashigaon, Sai Baba Nagar, Meditiya Nagar, Shahid Bhagat Singh Garden, and Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium. Additionally, Metro-7A will feature two stations, Airport Colony (elevated) and CSIA (underground), which are currently under construction. MMRDA has secured a contractor for the development of a depot on a 59.65-hectare plot at Dongri for Metro Lines 9 and 7A. The project, valued at INR 701 crore, will facilitate the stabling of 40 metro rakes and include maintenance facilities.

This new depot replaces the previously planned locations in Morva, Raimurdhe, and Murdhe villages, thus avoiding the need for extensive rehabilitation of affected families. The MMRDA has also reported substantial progress on the 24.5 km Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro-5, with 89% of the work completed. Contracts for additional structural works, including architectural finishing and plumbing for six elevated stations, have been awarded. This metro line, with a total length of 24.9 km, is being developed at a cost of INR 8,500 crore.

The MMRDA has appointed an architectural and project management consultant for the development of a Slum Rehabilitation Scheme at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, covering 33.15 hectares. These advancements underscore MMRDA’s commitment to enhancing Mumbai’s urban transport infrastructure and improving connectivity across the metropolitan region.