Maha CM pushes metro expansion for rapid urban transit

Mumbai, Aug 4 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that Metro projects across Maharashtra are progressing rapidly, providing a major boost to safe, modern, and high‑speed public transport in urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

He directed officials to speed up execution, saying that new Metro projects should be targeted for completion within three years of starting construction. The decision came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure chaired by him.

CM Fadnavis stated that an extensive Metro network is being developed to make public transport in Maharashtra more efficient, fast, and eco‑friendly. Currently, 174 km of Metro lines are operational for passengers, while construction is underway on 291 km. Additionally, 130 km of routes are in the approval stage, and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for another 87.15 km.

A presentation to the Chief Minister revealed that Metro projects worth Rs 2,80,755 crore are being executed in the state. The Central Government’s contribution stands at Rs 27,216 crore, while the State Government’s direct share is Rs 50,250 crore. 

Furthermore, Rs 75,729.62 crore will be funded through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), local bodies, and planning authorities, with the remaining capital raised via government‑guaranteed loans.

CM Fadnavis said that the state’s total proposed and operational Metro network spans 683.53 km, comprising Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR): 428.89 km, Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR): 169.45 km and Nagpur Metropolitan Region (NMR): 85.20 km.

The state government has charted a year‑by‑year execution plan. Under this schedule, 87 km of routes featuring 56 stations are slated for completion within the current year, while 302 km and 161 stations are planned for completion by 2029-30, he noted.

The committee reviewed ongoing preparations for the Metro‑10 line connecting Mira Gaon to Gaimukh in the MMR region, for which notifications have already been published. 

With planning and regulatory approvals in the final stages, the project carries an estimated cost of Rs 8,500 crore. Spanning 9.68 km, the elevated corridor will feature five stations. CM Fadnavis instructed officials to implement necessary measures to complete Metro‑10 within three years.

CM Fadnavis said the state government has planned several new Metro corridors, including: Mumbai Metro‑11 (Anik Depot – Wadala – Gateway of India): 17.51 km, Hadapsar – Loni Kalbhor & Hadapsar – Saswad Road: 16.68 km, Navi Mumbai Metro‑1A & 2 (Belapur – Sagar Sangam & Pendhar – Navi Mumbai International Airport): 17.09 km, Kanhan River – Kanhan City (Nagpur Phase‑2 Extension): 1.45 km, 

Mumbai Metro‑8 (CSMIA – NMIA): 34.90 km, 

Mumbai Metro‑10 (Gaimukh – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk): 9.20 km, Mumbai Metro‑13 (Shivaji Chowk – Vasai‑Virar): 25.03 km, Mumbai Metro‑12A (Manpada – Kalyan – Khutari – Taloja): 18.40 km, Mumbai Metro‑3 Extension (Cuffe Parade – Navy Nagar): 1.40 km, Mumbai Metro‑14 (Kanjurmarg – Badlapur): 45.15 km, and Pune Metro Phase‑3 (Nigdi – Wakad – Nashik Phata – Chakan): 42.00 km.

Meanwhile, MMRDA’s Metro network achieved the historic milestone of 30 crore passengers. CM Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to the people of Mumbai and congratulated the entire team of MMRDA and Maha Mumbai Metro.

MMRDA, in its post on X, said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the journey to provide Mumbaikars with a faster, safer, more reliable, and sustainable public transportation system will continue unabated. It added that the 30 crore journeys represent not just a number but embody the trust placed by Mumbaikars in a modern, efficient, and sustainable public transportation system.

--IANS

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