Mumbai Metro News

Simulator infrastructure ready at Mumbai’s Mandale depot to train Metro pilots
The Indian Express | 2 months ago | |
The Indian Express
2 months ago | |

The construction of a 21-metre-high simulator building comprising a three-story structure with a total 3,278.66 square metre built-up area at Mandale depot has been completed. The simulator, on the lines of aircraft simulators, will offer training to Metro train pilots and operators, through real-time simulation.Earlier, the Mumbai Metro drivers or pilots were sent to Hyderabad due to a lack of infrastructure, said an official from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the nodal agency appointed by the state for metro construction work.Of the three-floor simulator building at Mandale depot, the ground floor consists of an entrance lobby, subsystem maintenance simulator module (SSMSM) room, full scope train driving simulator (FSTDS) room (double height), full scope train driving simulator (FSTDS) observation room, computing room, electrical room along with toilets, and pantry. The first floor consists of a lobby, five simulator rooms, a technology centre, an e-learning centre, and office space. The second floor consists of a lobby, restrooms for male and female staff, crew control rooms, toilets, a pantry, and an open terrace.The driving simulator area has a full cab mock coach assembled on the motion platform along with an observer room having a seating capacity of 20 trainees and a technical room to install the electronic components attached. This will facilitate in-house training of the rolling stock crew and operation teams. The maintenance simulator area has a provision of 12 maintenance simulators of rolling stock.Major sub-systems such as doors, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), brakes etc can be installed. On the maintenance simulator training floor, rolling stock maintenance personnel can be trained for the maintenance and troubleshooting of rolling stock.The MMRDA is developing the Mandale depot on over 30.45 hectares of land at Mankhurd. The depot will be useful for the 23.64 km-long Mumbai Metro Line 2B from DN Nagar to Mandale. This depot will have the capacity of stabling 72 rakes of eight coaches at two levels of the stabling yard.The Mandale depot will have facilities for the major overhaul of all the Metro trains, all minor schedules and repairs, lifting for replacement of heavy equipment and testing, repair of heavy equipment, and other operation and maintenance (O&M) buildings among others.“A significant milestone has been achieved by completing the rolling stock simulators building. The full cab mock-up of MRS1 coach will be installed for the training of Metro pilots, which will facilitate the skill of handling the real-time situation,” S V R Srinivas Commissioner, MMRDA.So far, a total of 64 per cent progress of the Mandale depot is achieved.

Simulator infrastructure ready at Mumbai’s Mandale depot to train Metro pilots
Tenders for Kalyan-Taloja Metro 12 line floated
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

MUMBAI: Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has floated tenders for the viaduct of the Metro 12 corridor (Kalyan-Taloja) that will help improve connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The line 12 is an extension of Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan metro and this will offer a hassle -free commute option to and from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.The area along the corridor is not as populated as most of the length of the corridor passes through agriculture and barren land. As per the Detailed Project Report (DPR), "This corridor will actuate the development in this area and encourage people to move out from crowded parts of the city to this area. Purpose of this corridor is to decongest the Mumbai city and accelerate the development activities in the area covered by this corridor."The 20 km long line will have a total of 17 stations but MMRDA has floated tenders for 9 stations. The cost of this phase of the contract is Rs 780 km. MMRDA has plans to run 3 or 6 coach trains in this area, depending on the demand. Once the line is operational, it will be integerated with Mumbai Metro line 5 and benefit lakhs of citizens from Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Badlapur Thane, Navi Mumbai and Panvel.

Tenders for Kalyan-Taloja Metro 12 line floated
PM Modi to visit Mumbai on January 19, Navi Mumbai Metro and Mumbai Metro lines 2A and 7 inauguration likely
The Indian Express | 4 months ago | |
The Indian Express
4 months ago | |

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mumbai on January 19 for the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai Metro’s 5.96-km stretch between Central Park and Belapur stations, according to sources. The 35-km stretch of Mumbai Metro’s 2A and 7 lines is also likely to be commissioned in PM Modi’s presence on the same day, they said.However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are scheduled to visit Davos to attend the World Economic Forum between January 15 and 19. There is buzz that they may come back early for the Metro inauguration event or change their plan to visit Davos, which is expected to bring investment opportunities for Maharashtra.Meanwhile, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which constructed the elevated Mumbai Metro 2A and 7 lines, is struggling to get a confirmation of dates from the government about the inauguration of these lines, as per sources.Both these Metro lines pass through Link Road and Western Express Highway (WEH) and are expected to reduce traffic from these major roads as well as help reduce crowding in existing suburban local train services.In April 2022, then Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray flagged off the first phase of the 2A and 7 lines, the 20-km stretch from Dhanukarwadi (Kamran Nagar) to Aarey Colony in the western suburbs of Mumbai. On average, this stretch is drawing 25,000 ridership daily.Once the entire stretch of these two lines with 30 stations and a 35-km elevated corridor becomes operational, it can carry nearly 3 lakh passengers per day, according to officials of Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), which takes care of the metro rail’s operation and maintenance.

PM Modi to visit Mumbai on January 19, Navi Mumbai Metro and Mumbai Metro lines 2A and 7 inauguration likely
Mumbai to get two new Metro lines after nearly 9 years
The Indian Express | 5 months ago | |
The Indian Express
5 months ago | |

Mumbai Metro’s two new lines 2A (Dahisar to Andheri West DN Nagar) and 7 (Dahisar East to Andheri East) are expected to be fully operational in January 2023, according to Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).In April this year, then Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray flagged off the first phase of these lines, the 20-km stretch from Dhanukarwadi (Kamran Nagar) and Aarey Colony in the western suburbs of Mumbai.The Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), which takes care of the metro rail’s operation and maintenance, has recorded an average ridership of 30,000 per day for the partial stretch comprising 18 stations.Once the entire stretch of these two lines with 30 stations and 35 km elevated corridor becomes operational, it can carry nearly 3 lakh passengers per day, according to MMMOCL officials. By 2031, these two lines are expected to carry 11.37 lakh passengers. The new lines will also connect with the existing Metro One that runs between Ghatkopar and Versova at DN Nagar and Western Express Highway (WEH) stations.The two new Metro lines will run parallel on the east and west side of the suburb to ease the traffic on the WEH, which sees heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours. Besides, the two lines are also expected to reduce crowding in Mumbai local trains providing a much more comfortable alternate public transport option.Commission of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has begun the supervision of Mumbai Metro lines 2A and 7. Once CMRS certification of approval comes, commercial operation on the entire line will begin. The CMRS certification includes supervision of the tracks, signalling, electrical systems and civil works before opening the corridor for passengers. A safety check is done meticulously by the competent authority.The MMRDA obtained a provisional certificate for trial run from Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).The Metro line 2A project completion cost is Rs 6,410 crore while that of 7 is Rs 6,208 crore. The funding agencies for both lines are Asian development bank and National Development Bank.A train set comprising six coaches with a carrying capacity of 380 persons each coach, is running on the 20-km stretch currently. With a total of 28 rakes made available by Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML), the services on both lines will be fully operated at a time gap of seven minutes. Both corridors will have their car shed at Charkop.The city’s first Metro line called Mumbai Metro One, which runs between Versova and Ghatkopar and comprises over 11 km elevated stretch, started commercial operation in 2014.

Mumbai to get two new Metro lines after nearly 9 years
Mumbai: Adani partners with MMRDA for Metro power
Times of India | 6 months ago | |
Times of India
6 months ago | |

MUMBAI: MMRDA has partnered with Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd to power its two Metro lines -- Metro 2A (Dahisar-DN Nagar) and Metro 7 (Dahisar E-Andheri E), an Adani official announced on Friday. "Over 120 million units of power will be used annually by these lines," he said. Adani Electricity provides electricity to over 31 lakh homes and establishments in suburban Mumbai. A spokesperson of Adani Electricity said, "We are pleased to support MMRDA and Mumbai's Metro commuters with our sustainable solutions being a key differentiator to help reduce our customers' carbon footprint."

Mumbai: Adani partners with MMRDA for Metro power
Supervision of Mumbai Metro Lines 2A and 7 by Commission of Metro Rail Safety underway
The Indian Express | 6 months ago | |
The Indian Express
6 months ago | |

The Commission of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has begun the supervision process of phase 2 of Mumbai Metro Line 2A (Dahisar to DN Nagar, Andheri West) and Line 7 (Dahisar East to Andheri East), both elevated corridors passing from Link road and Western Express Highway (WEH).Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Commissioner S V R Srinivas said, “A team from CMRS is carrying out the supervision. Once the safety clearance certificate is in place the commercial operations can begin.”The official confirmed that all these processes are likely to be completed by December-end and the entire Metro Line 2A&7 will be opened to the public in January.The MMRDA is the nodal agency appointed by the state of Maharashtra for all elevated metro projects.The CMRS certification includes supervision of the tracks, signalling, electrical systems, and civil works before opening the corridor for passengers. A safety check is done meticulously by the competent authority.Prior to the CMRS supervision, the MMRDA had obtained a provisional certificate from Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) for conducting a trial run.Mumbai Metro Line 2A connects Dahisar to DN Nagar, while Line 7 links Dahisar East to Andheri East, comprising a total length of 35 km. In the first phase, a 20-km stretch between Aarey and Dhanukarwadi was opened to the public in April, during Gudi Padwa, which marks New Year as per Hindu calendar. The 20-km stretch is drawing a good average daily ridership of 27,000, whereas the monthly average ridership is 8 lakh, as per the MMRDA data. Once both lines (comprising 30 stations) become operational, it will together see a daily ridership of 12.77 lakh by 2031, officials said.The Metro Line 2A has 17 stations — Andheri (West), Lower Oshiwara, Oshiwara, Goregaon (West), Pahadi Goregaon, Lower Malad, Malad (West), Valnai, Dahanukarwadi, Kandivali (West), Pahadi Eksar, Borivali (West), Eksar, Mandapeshwar, Kandarpada, Upper Dahisar and Dahisar (East). Metro Line 7 has 13 stations — Gundavali, Mogra, Jogeshwari (East), Goregaon (East), Aarey, Dindoshi, Kurar, Akurli, Poisar, Magathane, Devipada, RashtriyaUdyan and Ovaripada.Both Metro lines have a common station at Dahisar, where it integrates. While for other Metro lines, the integration stations are WEH on Line 7 with the existing Metro one and JVLR junction for Metro Line 6. Similarly on Line 2A, the integration station for Metro Line one is at DN Nagar station.Both are elevated corridors passing along Mumbai’s Link Road and Western Express Highway.The expense of the Metro Line 2A project is Rs 6,410 crore while that of the Line 7 project is Rs 6,208 crore. The funding agencies for both the lines are Asian Development Bank and National Development Bank.Currently, a train set having six coaches of a capacity of 380 persons each is run on Metro Line 2A and 7 on the 20-km stretch. With a total of 28 rakes made available by Bharat Earth Movers Ltd, the services on both the lines will be fully operated in a gap of seven minutes. Both the corridors have their car shed at Charkop.

Supervision of Mumbai Metro Lines 2A and 7 by Commission of Metro Rail Safety underway
Supreme Court allows MMRCL to pursue its plea for felling 84 trees at Aarey with Tree Authority
The Indian Express | 6 months ago | |
The Indian Express
6 months ago | |

REFUSING TO stay the Maharashtra government’s decision to allow the car depot for Line 3 of Mumbai Metro to be located in Aarey region, the Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) to pursue its application before the Tree Authority for felling 84 trees to construct a ramp for the project.A bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha said, “It would not be possible for the court at the interim stage to stay the decision.”The court said the Tree Authority will be at liberty to take an independent decision and impose such conditions as it deems necessary.The court was hearing an application by the MMRCL urging it to modify its October 7, 2019 order by which it had directed status quo to be maintained at Aarey and stopped felling of trees.The MMRCL pointed out that although it had moved an application before the Tree Authority seeking permission to fell the trees, no action was forthcoming on it yet due to the operation of the top court’s status quo order.Allowing the request, the bench said, “The order of this court, which has the effect of directing the preservation of the status quo on the felling of trees, shall accordingly stand modified to the above extent thereby permitting the MMRCL to move the Tree Authority on its application for felling 84 trees.”Those opposing the construction of the car shed at Aarey opposed the grant of any relief before their pending appeals against the project are decided by the apex court.The Supreme Court, however, said, “Prima facie, there is a view of the Bombay High Court which held the permission for the felling of trees and the decision to locate the Metro car shed on the land at Aarey as valid.”“In such projects involving large outlay of public funds, the court cannot be oblivious to the serious dislocation which would be caused if the public investment which has gone into the project were to be disregarded. Undoubtedly, considerations pertaining to the environment are of concern because all development must. it is well settled, be sustainable,” it said.The court added that a substantial number of trees pertaining to the area which falls within the segment of the car depot and ramp have already been felled.“As already noted earlier, 2,144 trees were felled in executing the work pertaining to the car depot while 212 trees were felled for executing the work relating to the ramp. What is now sought is a permission to apply to the Tree Authority for the felling of 84 trees pertaining to the ramp. It needs no emphasis that without a ramp, the work which has already been completed would be of no consequence and would be ineffective. Hence, having due regard to the above circumstances, we have arrived at the conclusion that MMRCL should be permitted to pursue its application before the Tree Authority for permission to fell 84 trees for the purposes of the ramp. Tree Authority will be liberty free to impose such conditions as it deem necessary,” said the bench.The court said it will hear the appeals against the plans to locate the car shed on Aarey land in the first week of February 2023.

Supreme Court allows MMRCL to pursue its plea for felling 84 trees at Aarey with Tree Authority
Mumbai Metro One extends operations by an hour
Times of India | 6 months ago | |
Times of India
6 months ago | |

MUMBAI: Mumbai Metro One has extended train operations by an hour in the morning to cater to increased number of passengers on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridors.With this increase in timing, Mumbai Metro One's operational timings are back to pre-Covid schedule. Mumbai Metro One spokesperson said, "Now, the first train will depart at 5:30 am from Versova and Ghatkopar. The last train from Versova will depart at 11:20 pm and from Ghatkopar at 11:45 pm." The daily trips on weekdays will go up to 380 from 366. Before Covid-induced restrictions, Metro One used to operate about 400 services. Earlier, the first train used to depart from Andheri and Ghatkopar at 6:30 am. The spokesperson said, "Service frequency will remain the same at less than 4 minutes during peak hours and 5-8 minutes during off-peak hours." The current weekday ridership is 3.80 lakh but still short of pre-Covid figure of 4.5 lakh. MMOPL in a survey found that the main reason behind the decline was the hybrid model adopted by most offices wherein employees don't have to go to office every day.

Mumbai Metro One extends operations by an hour
State of the Metro: 14 lines in the works, two nearing completion
The Indian Express | 7 months ago | |
The Indian Express
7 months ago | |

Within the next three to four years, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will have a total of 14 Metro lines spread across 300-kilometres.Of these, two elevated Metro lines – 7 [Andheri (E)-Dahisar (E)] & 2A ( Dahisar-D N Nagar) – are in the final stage of completion and expected to be fully open to the public by December 2022 or by early next year, according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Earlier, in April this year on Gudi Padwa, 20-km stretch of Metro Line 7 and 2A was opened to public use between Aarey and Dhanukarwadi and is currently drawing a daily ridership of over 25,000 on an average, as per the MMRDA.MMRDA is the nodal agency appointed by the state for Metro construction. The Maha Mumbai Metro Rail Operation Corporations (MMMOCL) will handle the operations and maintenance of all lines except the city’s first underground Metro 3, which will run along the Colaba—Bandra—SEEPZ, for which tender will be issued in due course.Being constructed by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), this underground Metro line is expected to be ready for commercial operation of Phase 1 between BKC and SEEPZ by December 2023. The trial run on a 3-km stretch between Marol and Aarey began in August 2022.The other elevated lines are under various stages of progress. As per the MMRDA, Line 5 (Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan) and Line 6 (Swami Samarthnagar-Vikhroli) are ready by over 65 per cent and 62 per cent respectively. While Line 4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavali) has seen 41 per cent of civil work being complete, for extension 4A (Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh), it is 45 per cent complete.On Metro Line 2B (D N Nagar-Mandale), 27 per cent of civil works has been completed. Metro Line 9 [Dahisar(E)-Mira-Bhayander] and 7A [Andheri(E)-CSMIA] has seen completion of 25 per cent of civil work.As per the MMRDA, for Metro Line 10 [Gaimukh-Shivaji Chowk (Mira Road)] and Line 12 (Kalyan-Taloja), general consultant has been appointed. Partial funding from Mumbai Port Trust is awaited for line 12 (Wadala-CSMT).A senior MMRDA official said, “A catch up plan has been made for all ongoing Metro lines so that the work is completed as per the revised timeline and no more delays take place. Meanwhile, we recently got approval from the Maharashtra government following which a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with REC Limited, a central government undertaking, for funding worth Rs 30,483 crore for the ongoing nine Metro lines in MMR. Now, the authority will face no more funding issues which would lead to smooth execution of upcoming Metro projects.”Meanwhile, the MMRDA has also issued tender for Metro 4 and 4A at Mogharpada at an estimated project cost of Rs 711.34 crore. For Metro 5 Kasheli depot project, the project cost is estimated at Rs 472 crore.

State of the Metro: 14 lines in the works, two nearing completion
Metro 3 corridor project: Kalbadevi Girgaon PAP protest over delay in rehabilitation
The Indian Express | 7 months ago | |
The Indian Express
7 months ago | |

UPSET OVER the delay in their rehabilitation, the Kalbadevi Girgoan (KG) Metro 3 project affected people (PAP) held a protest march from Thakurdwar to Girgaon on Tuesday. Pandurang Sakpal, a Shiv Sena Uddhav Balsaheb Thackeray party worker who organised the protest march, said, “Suddenly, the Metro 3 authority has stopped paying rent to residents over validity of their eligibility. They cannot be asked to approach Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority over the PAP eligiblity now.”He added that several old buildings at KG are at risk because of the Metro 3 work so the authority should take care of their maintenance as well. In a statement, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation spokesperson said, “All issues raised and representations received from KG residents have been addressed and suitably replied. MMRC has not received any new representations today from any of the PAPs or the organisers of agitation. Any new issues raised will be appropriately resolved and will be conveyed to the applicants.”

Metro 3 corridor project: Kalbadevi Girgaon PAP protest over delay in rehabilitation
Mumbai: Broke Metro 3 seeks Rs 2,000 crore bridge loan
Times of India | 7 months ago | |
Times of India
7 months ago | |

MUMBAI: The Metro 3 underground rail project has run out of cash, forcing the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) to secure a bridge loan of over Rs 2,000 crore from SBI, reports Nauzer K Bharucha. Meanwhile, the project cost for the 33.5km Cuffe Parade-Seepz corridor has shot up by another Rs 3,870 crore to Rs 37,276 crore, according to documents made available to TOI. The original cost of the project was Rs 23,136 crore. State government sources said the cost escalation is due to additional costs for relief and rehabilitation and transit rents for project-affected persons, escalation in civil and system contracts, project administrative expenses and towards enhanced GST. Metro 3 financial crunch could be resolved in 8-10 weeks: State officialThe fund crunch faced by the Metro 3 underground rail project is likely to be resolved within the next eight to 10 weeks, said a state government official. After a delay of almost two years, the state has finally written to the Centre to request the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to release the fourth tranche of the loan for the project. JICA has been funding almost 60% of the Metro 3 project cost. The additional funds from the lending agency are expected to roll in by December, said the official. The protocol is the state must first approve the cost escalation proposal and convey its decision to the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs. Once the Centre clears it, JICA disburses the loan. Meanwhile, MMRCL, the nodal agency executing the Metro 3 project, has sought a bridge loan of over Rs 2,000 crore from the State Bank of India."Facilitated with a letter of comfort from the government of Maharashtra, the bridge loan is likely to be approved by SBI within a fortnight," said a letter written by Ashwini Bhide, MD of MMRCL, to the union housing and urban economic affairs secretary last month. The erstwhile Shiv Sena-led MVA government had sat on a proposal to request JICA for more funds despite a reminder from the Japanese ambassador in February 2021. On February 17, 2021, Japanese ambassador to India, Suzuki Satoshi, raised the red flag in a letter to the then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. The ambassador expressed fears of an impending "cash crunch" and "significant delay or stagnation" for the project. Satoshi's letter requested the then CM to approve the revised project cost for the loan's fourth tranche so JICA could release the money. "Your approval... is required as soon as possible, at the latest by the end of this week, to avoid shortage of cash in MMRCL," it said. "JICA stands ready to consider another loan to support the construction of the depot (Aarey car shed) when the issue of its location is resolved." A two-page annex note attached to the ambassador's letter said approval of the total project cost revision reflecting actual fund requirement is "indispensable" for MMRCL. "During JICA's detailed fact-finding mission with MMRCL, conducted from December 2020 to January 2021, it was recognized that there is a real possibility for MMRCL to face fund shortage within the next fiscal year (FY2021) if additional loan cannot be provided by end of this fiscal (FY2020)," it said. "As a financier of this project, the government of Japan and JICA are strongly concerned the project would potentially face serious difficulties..."

Mumbai: Broke Metro 3 seeks Rs 2,000 crore bridge loan
Maharashtra invites bidders from India and abroad for Dharavi redevelopment project
The Indian Express | 8 months ago | |
The Indian Express
8 months ago | |

Maharashtra has invited fresh bidders for carrying out the Dharavi redevelopment project in the state. The Housing Authority has invited experienced and qualified bidders from India and abroad for integrated redevelopment of Dharavi through the International Competitive Bidding. The government has notified about 240 hectares as the Dharavi slum redevelopment area having nearly half a million human habitation.Accordingly, the project will be awarded to the qualified bidder, quoting the highest amount over and above the minimum stipulated Rs 1,600 crore investment that the lead partner of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Company is ready to bring in the SPV Company as per the terms and conditions set by the authority. Apart from the equity of Rs 400 crore, any investment required for the project shall be brought by the lead partner in the form of Compulsorily Convertible Securities such as Compulsorily Convertible Debentures and/or Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares, the state government has mandated.Interestingly, to attract bidders, the state has said that Dharavi is situated close to the Bandra Kurla Complex, which is known to be the financial hub of Mumbai. Similarly, it is the centre point of Mumbai and well connected with all kinds of public transport modes. The railway stations at Sion, Mahim, Chunabhatti, GTB Nagar and King’s Circle are adjacent to Dharavi.Furthermore, it stressed how the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd is developing the Dharavi Metro station (Mumbai Metro Line-3), which has connectivity to South Mumbai, BKC and the International Airport.Additionally, the connectivity of the area will get further strengthened by plans of the MMRDA to develop one more road linkage to Bandra Work Sea Link near Dharavi. The Mumbai Trans-Harbour link under construction connecting central Mumbai with the International Airport is very close to Dharavi.Besides improved connectivity and new infrastructure projects that are coming up, the state is also offering various types of concessions for the speedy completion of this project and integrated development of the area.The selected lead partner has to form an SPV with 80 per cent equity (Rs 400 crore) and the Maharashtra government will hold 20 per cent equity (Rs 100 crore). SPV will be responsible to construct free housing for the eligible slum dwellers and occupants, including amenities and infrastructure. Whereas in lieu of it, it will be entitled to construct a free sale area to sell in the market.The proposed completion period of the construction of rehab, renewal, amenities and infrastructure is of seven years from the date of Commencement Certificate (CC) for the first phase of the project, the state government has cleared.

Maharashtra invites bidders from India and abroad for Dharavi redevelopment project
Allotment of Kanjur land for Metro junked, Maharashtra govt tells HC
Times of India | 9 months ago | |
Times of India
9 months ago | |

MUMBAI: The state government on Tuesday told the Bombay HC that the collector (Mumbai suburbs) has withdrawn an October 1, 2020 order allotting 102 acres to MMRDA at Kanjurmarg for an integrated car shed for Mumbai Metro. Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Girish Kulkarni were informed by advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni that "the collector has withdrawn an earlier order." He submitted the August 30 order of collector Nidhi Chaudhari, which stated that the decision was taken on August 29 at a "war room" meeting where discussions were held on MMRDA's written request urging withdrawal of the order. Kanjurmarg plot: HC disposes plea of Central govtThe HC disposed of the Centre's petition against the erstwhile MVA government's proposal to build a Metro car shed in Kanjurmarg after the state said that the collector has withdrawn a 2020 order allotting the land to MMRDA. The BJP-Sena government led by Devendra Fadnavis had taken the decision to construct the car shed for Mumbai Metro 3 at Aarey Colony amid protests from greens. But after the MVA came to power, it decided to scrap the decision and move the car shed to Kanjurmarg to build an integrated shed for Metro lines 3, 4, 4A and 6. The collector then issued the Oct 1, 2020 order. The Centre had then rushed to HC, contending the Kanjurmarg land was salt pan land belonging to the salt department. One Mahesh Garodia also moved HC, claiming ownership over the land. On December 16, 2020, HC granted interim stay on construction. With Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis forming government in the state on June 30 this year, they decided to reverse the MVA decision. Advocate Shyam Mehta, for Garodia, argued land be returned to his client. "Now that collector has withdrawn order, MMRDA must move out," he said. ASG Anil Singh said the possession issue is pending in city civil court in a suit filed by Garodia and Centre is a party to it. Disposing of Centre's petition, the judges noted, "In view of withdrawal of the October 1, 2020 order... nothing survives for decision. If any action was taken by MMRDA pursuant to the order, MMRDA shall forthwith remove the same." MMRDA's advocate Saket Mone said after HC's stay, no work was carried out. The judges directed Garodia's petition will go before an appropriate bench.

Allotment of Kanjur land for Metro junked, Maharashtra govt tells HC
Mumbai's first underground Metro-3 line trials Successfully Commence. 5 Points
India | 9 months ago | |
India
9 months ago | |

Mumbai: Marking a breakthrough, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the trial runs on the city’s first fully subterranean Mumbai Metro 3 line. The work on the 33.50 kms long Metro 3 corridor started in 2016 and the first phase is likely to be completed by end-2023. Shinde, Fadnavis and Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) officials waved the green flag for the trial run at Sariputnagar in Aarey Colony temporary car-shed inside a 3 kms tunnel till the Marol Naka Station.Also Read - Mumbai's Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro Line 3 to be Held TodaySpeaking on the occasion, Shinde said that nothing will stop the progress of Mumbai and Maharashtra after the new government took office on June 30, 2022. Fadnavis said that the opposition to the Metro car-shed in Aarey Colony was more political than environment-related and indirectly flayed the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress government for delaying the much-needed project. Also Read - Mumbai: Residents Protest Against Building of Aarey Metro Car Shed in Forest; Aaditya Thackeray Joins inMETRO-3 LINETRIALS VIDEO  Also Read - On Camera: Leopard Strays Into Residential Building In Mumbai's Aarey Colony; Netizens Concerned Over Maha Govt's Move To Resume Metro-Car Shed ProjectGET SET GO! LIVE! The first trial train of Mumbai’s first underground Metro rail, Aqua Line 3 @MumbaiMetro3 runs after its flag off. The @AlstomIndia rake will run a 3-km stretch till Marol Naka as a first phase of trials. @mid_day pic.twitter.com/bQHBgYlMBA— Rajendra B. Aklekar (@rajtoday) August 30, 2022After coming to power two months ago, the Shinde-Fadnavis government spiked the MVA’s move and restored the car-shed location from Kanjurmarg back to Aarey Forest, attracting howls of protests from the Sena-NCP-Congress and environmentalists.The delays have led to a cost escalation from the original estimates of Rs 23,000-crore to now around Rs 37,000-crore, and the complete project is now slated for completion only by mid-2025.

Mumbai's first underground Metro-3 line trials Successfully Commence. 5 Points
  • Mumbai: Metro 3 prototype rake trial runs commence on 3 km stretch today

    • Times of India

    MUMBAI: The much-awaited trial runs of the prototype rake for Metro 3 (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz) are scheduled to commence on a 3km stretch from today. The trial run will commence in the presence of chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at 11am from Sariput Nagar in Aarey. The prototype rake had arrived in two batches of four coaches. The initial design-proving trial runs of the prototype train of about 2,000km will be conducted in a 3km tunnel from the temporary facility to Marol Naka station. Speed, oscillation and emergency brake distance trials will be conducted, along with testing of some other systems. The dispatch of the second train from Sri City will be decided later, based on the outcome of the trial runs with the first prototype train. Even though the prototype rake was ready, its delivery was held up because of uncertainty over the issue of depot as the previous government wanted to shift it to Kanjurmarg. The approvals for dispatch of first prototype rake and trials came as soon as the Eknath Shinde government came to power after Uddhav Thackeray resigned from the chief minister's post. Thackeray was opposed to the depot coming up at Aarey but the new government's first decision was lift the stay on the depot work at Aarey. The manufacturing of 31 train sets of eight coaches for the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) underground corridor has commenced at the Alstom factory in Sri City. The MMRCL is going to begin the operations for Phase I with nine rakes, for which facilities will be made ready by April. In July, the depot will be able to handle operations for the entire corridor even though some other works may continue. For Phase I almost all the facilities will be ready except the Operational Control Centre (OCC) at the Aarey depot site. This will not be a hurdle as there is a provision for Back-up Control Centre (BCC) at the BKC station. The MMRCL expressed confidence that nearly all works for the Phase I corridor will be completed by June.

Mumbai's Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro Line 3 to be Held Today
India | 9 months ago | |
India
9 months ago | |

Mumbai: The first trial run of the Mumbai Metro line 3 connecting Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ line, will be conducted on Tuesday at Sariput Nagar in Aarey, an official said on Monday. The Metro line 3, which will be a 33.5 km underground route, will connect south Mumbai with the western suburbs.Also Read - Mumbai's First Underground Metro-3 Line Trials Successfully Commence. 5 PointsThe trial run will mark an important development in the realisation of the Metro track shrouded in controversy. The event will be attended by Maharashtra Chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis. Also Read - Mumbai: Residents Protest Against Building of Aarey Metro Car Shed in Forest; Aaditya Thackeray Joins inThe construction of Metro car shed at Aarey, a forested land adjoining the Sanjay Gandhi National Park was one of the first decisions reversed by the Shinde-Fadnavis government. Also Read - Technical Glitch Hits Services on Newly-inaugurated Metro Line in MumbaiLast month, former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had fervently appealed to the new government “not to stab Mumbai in its heart” by going ahead with the construction of the car shed at Aarey.

Mumbai's Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro Line 3 to be Held Today
No tree-cutting or development work in Aarey forest till August 30: Supreme Court
Times of India | 9 months ago | |
Times of India
9 months ago | |

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court said on Wednesday it would take a stern view if the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation's undertaking on not cutting any tree in the Aarey forest area is violated and asked MMRCL and the Maharashtra government not to go ahead with any development work till August 30, the day on which it will hear the case. Refuting allegations that trees in Aarey forest are being cut at a "furious pace" to set up a metro car shed, MMRCL on August 5 told the SC that not a single tree has been cut after October 2019 and only pruning of trees was being done. The allegations regarding felling of trees were baseless, MMRCL said. We take it that no tree was cut: SCReminding Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation's undertaking on not cutting any tree in the Aarey forest area, the Supreme Court has granted the Maharashtra government a last opportunity to file additional documents in the case. A bench headed by Justice U U Lalit said, "We take it that not a single tree was cut." It said that MMRCL was strictly bound by its undertaking and posted the case for hearing on August 30. The top court had restrained the authorities from cutting any more trees in Aarey colony after the solicitor general had submitted on behalf of the state of Maharashtra that no further trees will be cut. The felling of trees in the colony has been opposed by green activists and residents. The Bombay HC in October 2019 refused to declare Aarey Colony a forest and declined to quash the BMC's decision to allow the cutting of over 2,600 trees in the green zone to set up a metro car shed.

No tree-cutting or development work in Aarey forest till August 30: Supreme Court
Mumbai Metro Lines 2A And 7 Connecting Andheri And Dahisar To Begin Trials In October
India | 9 months ago | |
India
9 months ago | |

Mumbai: Two major projects of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) are about to be completed and trial runs will begin soon. Line 2A (From Dahisar to DN Nagar) from Link Road and Line 7 (From Dahisar East to Andheri East) from the Western Express Highway are both nearly finished with construction, as per a report by Times Now. The trial runs for the two lines are expected to start by October of this year, said MMRDA.Also Read - MMRCL Recruitment 2022: Registration For 27 Posts Begins at mmrcl.com; Here's How to ApplyThe MMRDA hopes to start the last phase of commercial operations by the end of the month of December. The two lines aim to facilitate interconnectivity among the existing Western Express Highway, Metro Line 1 (Ghatkopar to Versova) and the Metro Line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli) and smooth and efficient interchange with the suburban rail system and MRT system at Andheri, JVLR and Dahisar. The Dahisar-Andheri line seeks to provide connectivity between the Central Mumbai and the Northern suburban Mumbai, provide rail based access to the Mumbai International Airport (CSMIA), SEEPZ, National Park and other commercial and geographical landmarks. Also Read - CM Uddhav Thackeray Flags Off Trial Run For Mumbai Metro 2A & 7 Corridors. All You Need to KnowThe two metro lines can accommodate about 3 lakh people from 30 stations on the corridor.  Additionally, the MMRDA is building a foot overbridge at Goregoan station on Metro Line 7 so that it may link to the train stations in the western suburbs in order to provide continuous connection. The MMRDA will shortly announce a tender for the same. Also Read - Alstom wins EUR 315 million contract to supply cars for Mumbai's metro line 3On October 11, 2015, both routes’ foundation stones were laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The aforementioned line was slated to debut in the following year. After that, it was supposed to start in October 2020. It was postponed until October 2022, due to the pandemic and workers who went home during the lockdown.

Mumbai Metro Lines 2A And 7 Connecting Andheri And Dahisar To Begin Trials In October
Maharashtra: CM flags off Azadi Express, new Metro train
The Indian Express | 9 months ago | |
The Indian Express
9 months ago | |

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday flagged off Azadi Express, a new train which will be added to the fleet on Metro 2A and 7 route, on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Azadi Express is a special initiative by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL). “With its 18 trips, the Azadi Express will take the total number of trips to 172. This will reduce the time interval between trips from 12 to about 10 minutes,” said S V R Srinivas, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.The train was decorated with images of the Tricolour, Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, historical forts of Maharashtra, and other monuments. “Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has created a wave of patriotism across the country. Every citizen is participating in the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. On this occasion, I salute the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of India. I admire the work of S V R Srinivas and the MMRDA team for this initiative,” he said. Bhushan Gagrani, Upper Chief Secretary, said, “Passengers should preserve the sanctity of Azadi Express…”

Maharashtra: CM flags off Azadi Express, new Metro train
Maharashtra: Car shed at Aarey to be ready by April 2023
The Indian Express | 9 months ago | |
The Indian Express
9 months ago | |

The work of the car shed coming up at Aarey for Metro Line 3 (Colaba, Bandra-SEEPZ) is set to be completed by April 2023. Following which, the first phase (Bandra-SEEPZ) of Mumbai’s first underground Metro 3 corridor will be commissioned, officials said on Thursday.The 33.5-km underground Metro 3, which will connect south Mumbai and its suburbs, is to be constructed in two phases. Accordingly, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) is planning to complete the Phase 1 of the corridor between SEEPZ and BKC by December 2023. The second phase between BKC and Colaba is likely to be completed by June 2024.Originally, the work on the line was expected to be completed in 2021. However, delay in work led to the deadline being missed and the project cost escalating from Rs 23,136 crore to Rs 33,405 crore.MMRCL Managing Director Ashwini Bhide said, “The corporation plans to complete the depot work for Phase I operations by April 2023. It has also set a deadline to complete all safety works for railway commissioners’ inspection by June 2023, so that commercial operations can begin on time in December 2023.”She added, “The project cost has increased due to the time taken to plan the project and the commencement of work…”

Maharashtra: Car shed at Aarey to be ready by April 2023
Mumbai: MMRDA seeks Kanjurmarg land for Metro line 6
The Indian Express | 9 months ago | |
The Indian Express
9 months ago | |

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has written to the Maharashtra urban development department seeking land allotment at Kanjurmarg for the Metro 6 car depot between Swami Samarth Nagar and Vikhroli.“Now that the Shinde-led government has taken a decision to have Metro 3 car shed at Aarey instead of Kanjurmarg, for Metro 6 the land is sought by MMRDA at Kanjurmarg as per the original plan instead of integrated car depot,” said a source about the letter sent to the urban development department last week.The move comes a month after the Eknath Shinde-led government overturned the decision of the previous Uddhav Thackeray Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) dispensation to relocate the Metro Line-3 car shed from Aarey Colony to Kanjurmarg.The plan to have the metro depot for Mumbai Metro line 6 on 15 hectare of land at Kanjurmarg was proposed during the BJP-Shiv Sena government under Devendra Fadnavis.However, during the MVA government, the Mumbai Metro 3 car shed was proposed to be shifted to Kanjurmarg amid opposition by environmentalists and an integrated car shed of three metros corridors was planned at Kanjurmarg. For all the three metro corridors, Metro lines 6, 3 and 4, 102 acre of land was required at Kanjurmarg.The land parcels, however, got stuck in litigations with several private parties as well as the salt pan department claiming the land and approaching court.The 14.4 km of Mumbai Metro line 6 to connect Eastern and Western Express highways through Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) is being constructed at a cost of Rs 6,700 crore and it will facilitate commuters to reduce the travel time on the route by 35-45 minutes.

Mumbai: MMRDA seeks Kanjurmarg land for Metro line 6
Now, penal action for obstructing Mumbai Metro operations
Times of India | 9 months ago | |
Times of India
9 months ago | |

MUMBAI: Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Limited has warned of penal action - jail term or fine or both - against anyone found obstructing working of Metro. The warning was issued after Dahisar Metro station CCTV footage revealed that a man attempted to open platform screen door which halted train operations for three minutes on August 8.

Now, penal action for obstructing Mumbai Metro operations
Mumbai Metro One timings extended
Times of India | 10 months ago | |
Times of India
10 months ago | |

MUMBAI: Mumbai Metro One will extend services of Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Corridor till midnight, besides adding 30 trips from today. Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd spokesperson said the last service from Versova to Ghatkopar will be at 11:19 pm and the last train from Ghatkopar will be at 11:44 pm.

Mumbai Metro One timings extended
Mumbai Dug-up: Metro work reduces DN Road stretch between CSMT and Hutama Chowk to one-way
The Indian Express | 10 months ago | |
The Indian Express
10 months ago | |

Metro rail work has badly hit the approximately 400m stretch between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Hutatma Chowk, connecting one of the busiest railway stations in the country to important establishments including the Bombay High Court, Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai University and the commercial areas of Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade. The work that started six years ago has turned the two-way street into a one-way street, making life miserable for motorists, public transport vehicles, pedestrians and businesses alike.Location: DN Road.Dug-up for: Hutatma Chowk metro stationProject details: Mumbai Metro Line-3 also known as the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ line, which is a 33.5km underground metro corridor running along Colaba-Bandra-Seepz. The corridor has 27 key stations, out of which 26 will be underground.Implementing agency: the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, a joint venture of the central government and the Maharashtra government.Importance: Mumbai Metro Line-3 would be running along the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor connecting Mumbai’s key financial hubs. Once implemented, MML-3 would reduce traffic by about 35 per cent or by 4.5 lakh vehicles, leading to decongestion of roads and the travel time will be reduced to 50 minutes from 100 minutes on the route.Initial estimate: Rs 23,000 croreRevised cost: Rs 33,000 crore+Work started: 2016Initial deadline for the stretch: July 2022Expected to be complete: after 2024Reasons cited for the delay: slow pace of work by contractors and Covid-19 pandemicHow barricading hit businessesFor the otherwise-bustling businesses on both sides of the DN Road causeway, the delayed infrastructure project has led to a drastic change. Most shops in the area find themselves hidden by heavy machinery, invisible to customers and inaccessible from the main road.“Footfall has had a drastic drop as the shop is not accessible from the main road anymore. We are an old shop, functional for over a century. Most of our customers are the elderly. They find it difficult to come to the shop as there is no pavement to walk on. We have had customers come in on wheelchairs but the access road has become very small,” said the owner of Baliwalla & Homi Pvt Ltd, an eyecare and optician shop.A street food vendor near Siddharth College said that earlier he had employed six people to work under him. “The stall was on the way for many rushing to CSMT. They would grab a quick snack. There would be such a rush that I had six people working with me. Now I manage the stall alone,” he said, wishing not to be named.Local residents speakWhile the area does not have a significant residential population, many shops and establishments have had to shut up shop. Some banks, insurance companies and shops in the locality have shifted from DN Road.“We used to earn over ₹2,000 per day, now it has come down to ₹300. Barely anyone walks through these causeways as the road narrows into such a small space enough for just one person to squeeze through. The area becomes a hotbed for drug addicts at night as it is not well-lit and the remaining shops too shut early,” said Abdul Aziz, who has a shop selling mobile phone covers and leather goods.Motorists speakTraffic towards CSMT from Hutatma Chowk is one-way for motorists, but pedestrians too cannot walk the way without crossing multiple hurdles and re-routing through bylanes. “The road has become two-way towards Hutatma Chowk but as it narrows down on certain stretches, there is traffic especially during morning peak hours,” said a lawyer practising in the Mumbai City Civil and Sessions Court.“I have stopped walking on this road to go to CSMT after work. Earlier, this was a quick walk from my office in Fort. But it is very inconvenient to keep walking into bylanes and then back to the main road to reach the station. It also feels unsafe after dark,” said Sonal Bora, an HR manager.

Mumbai Dug-up: Metro work reduces DN Road stretch between CSMT and Hutama Chowk to one-way
Maharashtra Government Paves Way For Metro Car At Mumbai's Aarey Colony
Ndtv | 10 months ago | |
Ndtv
10 months ago | |

Mumbai: In an important decision, the new government in Maharashtra on Thursday announced lifting of the stay on the construction of Mumbai Metro-3 car shed at the controversial site in the Aarey Colony, a green belt in the western suburbs.The move came a day after Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, at a meeting with Consul General of Japan in Mumbai Fukahori Yasukata, assured him of fast-tracking Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded projects, which include the Mumbai Metro's Line 3.Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis announced lifting of the stay on the construction of Metro-3 car shed in the Aarey Colony in suburban Goregaon, reversing a decision taken by the previous Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and one which will surely invite criticism from environmental groups and some political parties.Just before the 2019 Assembly elections, the proposed car shed in the wooded area had widened the gap between the then-ruling allies Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena had bitterly opposed the Aarey car shed project and demanded relocation of the depot at a site in the eastern suburb of Kanjurmarg, whose ownership was later claimed by a private party as well as the salt commissioner of India.Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, on becoming chief minister in November 2019, had ordered a stay on the car shed construction in the Aarey Colony, and the ligitation over the Kanjurmag site stalled the entire project for the next two-and-a-half years.After Mr Shinde and Mr Fadnavis took oath on June 30, the latter made it clear the new government wants the Metro-3 car shed back in the Aarey Colony site and now relevant orders have been given to the state Urban Development Department.Mr Fadnavis said, "The Supreme Court has already given permission for the construction of Metro-3 car shed at the Aarey site. Despite this, if some environmentalists still want to oppose the construction of the car shed, then their intentions would come under suspicion." The chief minister highlighted benefits of the 33.5km-long Line 3 of Mumbai Metro, which will connect Colaba in south Mumbai to SEEPZ (Andheri) in the suburbs.Mr Shinde said, "One must understand that once the Metro-3 line becomes operational, it would carry 17 passengers on a daily basis. The entire project is funded by the JICA and any further delay in its completion could have affected the other big-ticket projects as well."Asked about then-chief minister Uddhav Thackeray's decision to put a stay on the controversial project, Mr Fadnavis said, "It was sheer ego and nothing else.""Thackeray, after becoming the chief minister, appointed a committee headed by then-additional chief secretary (finance) Manoj Saunik. The committee had recommended that the Metro-3 car shed be constructed at the Aarey site instead the land parcel available at Kanjurmarg. Thackeray set aside the recommendation and stayed any further construction at the Aarey site," he said.Mr Fadnavis said the Aarey Colony site was finalised when the Congress-NCP combine was in power in the state.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com"One should not forget that the Aarey site was finalized by then-chief minister Prithviraj Chavan when the Congress and the NCP were in power. Post-2014, the BJP-Sena government only availed international loan for it and started implementing the project," Mr Fadnavis said.(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Maharashtra Government Paves Way For Metro Car At Mumbai's Aarey Colony
First 2 cars of prototype set to arrive, trial run for Metro Line 3 could begin soon
The Indian Express | 10 months ago | |
The Indian Express
10 months ago | |

In an indication that the trial run of Mumbai Metro line-3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) — the first underground Metro of the city — will begin soon, the first two cars of a prototype train are all set to be dispatched from Alstom trains manufacturing plant based in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The move is in line with the new Maharashtra government’s decision to overturn the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA regime’s decision to relocate the Metro 3 car shed from Aarey Colony to Kanjurmarg. Sources have confirmed that the Urban Development department has initiated proceedings to remove the stay on construction of Metro-3 car shed in Aarey.The cars of the Metro prototype trains, which were ready for nearly a year, were not brought to the city due to unavailability of the Metro car shed. They are now set to reach Mumbai within the next 8-12 days.According to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd(MMRCL), which is the implementing authority of 33.5-km Mumbai Metro Line-3 project, the two cars that are part of a prototype Metro train, having total of 8 Metro cars, were loaded in the trailers on Sunday from Alstom’s manufacturing facility and will be dispatched to Mumbai any moment.An official said, “It will take around 8-12 days for the trailers to reach Mumbai and then they will be assembled at the temporary facility centre (temporary Metro car shed) at Aarey. Once assembled, the trial run of the Metro can be started between Marol and Maroshi as planned…. All the eight cars of the prototype trains are likely to reach Mumbai around August 15 after which the testing of the Metro can be started.”He further said that the train will be tested on various parameters, including speed, oscillation and emergency break distance during the 10,000-km test runs. “These tests will be conducted in the tunnels commencing from the temporary facility area and the trial could go on for over three-six months,” the official said.Earlier, the MMRCL had announced that the first 8-car train, in the form of individual coaches, will arrive in Mumbai by the end of 2021 and it will take about two weeks to assemble the first train after which the trials will start. However, since work on the temporary facility, which started in October 2021, was delayed and there was no carshed to park the train, it was not brought to the city even after the two trains were ready.As per the initial plan, the first phase of MML-3 between Bandra and Seepz was planned to be completed by December 2021 and the second phase from Bandra-Kurla Complex to Colaba by June 2022. However, due to delays in the project, the MMRCL is now planning to complete the first phase by January 2024 and the second in one-and-a-half years, provided the issue surrounding construction of the Metro car shed is resolved. The second phase of the project from Colaba to BKC is expected to be completed by mid-2025.The Metro 3 car shed was initially proposed at Aarey Colony during the Devendra Fadnavis led BJP-Shiv Sena government. Facing opposition from environment activists, the plan of building the car shed at Aarey was scrapped by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray after the formation of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in November 2019 and the project was shifted to Kanjurmarg.On June 30, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis decided in the first cabinet meeting to overturn the MVA government’s decision of shifting the car shed from Aarey. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials of the Urban Development Department to bring a proposal for building the car shed at Aarey.The move to shift the car shed out of Aarey had been a major bone of contention between the Shiv Sena and the BJP, its former ally.

First 2 cars of prototype set to arrive, trial run for Metro Line 3 could begin soon
MAHARASHTRA WEATHERMAHARASHTRA WEATHER