Mumbai Metro-11 Plan Under Scrutiny: MMRC Considers Realignment To Address Low Ridership Concerns

Review work has begun on Mumbai Metro-11 between Wadala and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) as Mumbai Metro-3 nears completion.

A change in the route is possible during this evaluation process.

In January, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) handed over the project to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC).

The Green line of Mumbai Metro-11 will run underground through southern Mumbai.

The MMRDA's DPR includes 11 planned stations: Wadala (Bhakti Park), Ganesh Nagar, BPT Hospital, Sewree Metro, Hay Bunder, Coal Bunder, Darukhana, Wadi Bunder, Clock Tower, Carnac Bunder, and CSMT Metro.

Ashwini Bhide, managing director of MMRC, stated that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being reconsidered due to Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)'s concern that the current alignment and format of the plan will result in insufficient ridership, reports Free Press Journal.

Significance Of Metro-11

Mumbai Metro Line-11 is an extension of the Metro Line-4. This project was cleared by MMRDA at the end of 2018.

Once this proposed network is operational, the CSMT will have linkages to both western and eastern suburbs through the metro connectivity.

The line will have an interchange facility with the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line-3. 

Further, this corridor is expected to emerge as a significant stretch as it runs through the Mumbai Port Trust area, which is planned to be redeveloped into a major commercial and entertainment hub.

The authorities decided on an underground construction of the metro corridor passing through this stretch, considering the land value of this region located in the heart of the city.

The masterplan for the Mumbai Port Trust Redevelopment is proposed for repurposing the port lands and integrating it with the rest of the city, providing public spaces and facilities to the citizens.

The area is envisioned with development of a new financial centre, government offices, hotels and commercial, as well as, residential properties.

These centres will be planned in the vicinity of the proposed Metro Line-11 and the existing suburban railway stations.

The eastern waterfront area is also proposed as a tourist and recreational zone, which will have facilities of ferry services and cruises for tourists among other features.

In the first year of operations, the line is likely to witness more than 12 lakh daily ridership, which would cross 18 lakh in 10 years.

Need for realignment

Most stations on the metro rail and harbour line intersect, except for a few areas in the Mumbai Port Authority that have yet to undergo development.

Bhide explained that they aim to re-evaluate the alignment and extend it to areas with more connectivity demand and population. The plan will be proposed to the Centre, he added.