Mumbai : By 2021, Mumbaikars will be able to hop on to a Metro from Dahisar to Colaba instead of the existing overburdened suburban rail network in the city.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is considering integration of Andheri East-Dahisar East (Metro-7) corridor with the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ (Metro-3) at the proposed Metro station International Airport to create seamless north-south rail connectivity that could help take the load off the suburban rail network.
According to a senior MMRDA official, the idea is to extend Metro-7 up to Mumbai airport and create an interchange.
“So the commuter who is travelling from, say, Dahisar can directly go to Colaba via the interchange with the underground Metro-3. We are still working out the details, but as of now we have started with the
bidding process for the 17.5-km corridor with the airport extension,” the official said, requesting anonymity.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which is the interim consultant for construction of Metro-7 being implemented by MMRDA, too had recommended extension of the corridor to the airport keeping in mind the fast pace of growth in suburbs. It also considered that other Metro lines crossing through airport would create a major intersection at the airport and help in seamless travel.
The official added that the extension will have to get clearances from various authorities.
“DPRs will have to prepared and the due process required for every line —approval from the Authority and state government etc. — have to be followed but it’s not a big task and can be done even in the later stages of construction of corridor-7,” he said.
Dilip Kawathkar, joint metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA confirmed: “We are considering the possibility with an aim to decongest roads and, reduce the rush of commuters on the suburban rail network, but it would happen at a later stage.”
The MMRDA and Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation—the implementing agency of Metro-3—will have to work out the modalities of creating the interchange to provide an alternate north-south rail connectivity for Mumbaiites.
