MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the two new lines, 2A (Dahisar to Andheri West DN Nagar) and 7 (Dahisar East to Andheri East) of the Mumbai Metro are anticipated to be completely operational in January 2023.
The then Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray flagged off the first phase of these lines in April this year, a 20-kilometre section between Dhanukarwadi (Kamran Nagar) and Aarey Colony in the western suburbs of Mumbai.
The Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), in charge of operating and maintaining the metro rail, has calculated an average daily ridership of 30,000 for the segment with 18 stations.
According to MMMOCL officials, once the stretch of these two lines with 30 stations and a 35 km elevated corridor is operational, it can carry close to 3 lakh passengers daily. These two lines are anticipated to handle 11.37 lakh people by 2031. 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.
To reduce traffic on the WEH, which has heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours, the two new Metro lines will run side by side on the east and west sides of the area. In addition, the two lines should make Mumbai’s local trains less crowded while offering a considerably more comfortable alternative mode of transportation.
Mumbai Metro lines 2A and 7 are now under the control of the Commission of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). Commercial operation will start along the entire line once CMRS certification of approval is received. The CMRS certification comprises supervision of the rails, signalling, electrical systems, and civil works before opening the corridor to passengers. The responsible authority methodically conducts a safety inspection.
The cost to complete the Metro line 2A project is Rs 6,410 crore, compared to Rs 6,208 crore for line 7. Asian Development Bank and National Development Bank are the financial sources for both lines.
Currently, a train set with six coaches, each having a capacity of 380 passengers, is travelling the 20-kilometre route. Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) has made 28 rakes available, allowing for the operation of both lines at a seven-minute interval. Both routes will have a car shed at Charkop.
