Integrated Transport System set to transform Mumbai
Mumbai will be one step closer to becoming a world city as the integrated transport system envisaged for the city becomes a reality. In a recent development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has told the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to submit a feasibility report within two months on constructing a six-lane elevated rail and road corridor across Mumbai on single pillars above existing railway lines.
The chief minister has also proposed integration of all modes of transport, such as BEST buses, Monorail, Mumbai Metro and Railways, so that one can use a single ticket/smartcard to travel seamlessly from one corner of the city to another using any mode. Taxis, auto rickshaws and parking would be roped in at a later stage. As part of the initial stages metro, monorail, buses and trains would be covered.
The two announcements were made recently at a function at which the state government signed an MoU with the railway ministry to launch a special purpose vehicle (SPV) on a 50-50 partnership. The SPV will speed up implementation of rail projects in the state. The chief minister also officially launched the Rs 11,441 crore Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)-III project for Mumbai region.
MUTP-III: What it entails for Mumbai
A potential game changer for the Maximum City’s transport issues, the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-III) will include laying of a new suburban corridor link between Airoli-Kalwa (elevated) on Central Railway (CR) along with doubling of tracks between Panvel-Karjat amongst others.
The following are the major highlights of the mega transport project:
• The doubling of line between Panvel-Karjat at a cost of Rs 2,204 crore have seen a growth of nearly 40,000 passengers in the year 2014-15, according to a survey conducted by Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC).
• The 8 km link from Airoli to Kalwa as an elevated corridor will connect the trans-harbour line to the mainline. Navi Mumbai residents will benefit from this line which will connect the trans-harbour line that runs from Thane to Vashi with Panvel of the mainline.
• Along with the new lines, commuters will also benefit as 846 additional coaches will be procured under the MUTP-III. The new coaches will be procured at a cost of Rs 2,899 crore over the period of next 10 years. These will replace the old coaches that cause disruptions frequently.
• Further under MUTP-III, 20 suburban stations will be developed at a total cost of Rs 1,950 crore which will have an integrated transportation system wherein there will be a separate area for auto rickshaws and taxi parking. Also, these stations will have a better ticketing facility along with escalators, elevators and Foot Over Bridges (FOB).
• The 20 stations are Virar, Bhayander, Mira Road, Borivali, Goregaon, Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, Lower Parel, Mumbai Central on the western line; Shahad, Kalyan, Dombivli, Thane, Mulund, Ghatkopar, Kurla, Dadar on the Central Main line and Chembur and Wadala on Harbour line.
• An integrated rail-road six-lane corridor could come up along the CST-Panvel section. The state plans to invest Rs10,000 crore to strengthen the rail network across Maharashtra.
Fadnavis said, “Our plan is to integrate entire transport system and an end-to-end solution for Mumbai passengers. If public transport is to be made popular, the passengers would have to be provided ease of travelling. Why not a single ticket and connectivity where individual could hop from BEST to local train to metros or taxis with smooth connectivity?”
Harbour Line to get a fillip
As part of the initiatives announced for MUTP-III the Harbour line in Mumbai will receive a major boost. According to railway officials, it will surpass the Western Railway (WR) in terms of infrastructure and services in the next five years. The main attractions of the Harbour line will be as follows:
• The star attraction of the line would be the air-conditioned (AC) locals on the Harbour that are a part of the MUTP-III.
• Suburban railway in Mumbai is set to expand with the much-anticipated Seawoods to Uran line. The entire line is about 27-km-long and will have 10 stations including Uran. The stations on this line will include Seawoods, Sagar Sangam, Targhar, Bamandongari, Kharkopar, Gavhan, Ranjanpada, Nava-Sheva, Dronagiri and Uran.
• Along with AC coaches and the new line, Harbour will also get a new signalling system called Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) on all its lines, from Panvel to CST and Panvel to Thane. The system is unique as it will calculate and analyse the location of each train and will have the exact safety figures to run trains during peak-hours.
Real estate impact
The projects sanctioned under the MUTP-III have seen a substantial rise in passenger density over the last couple of years. According to estimates, more than 75 lakh people travel by suburban railways in Mumbai. While the passenger numbers are rising but the existing lines cannot be expanded due to space constraints. In such a scenario, expanding and integrating the transport system of the city is imperative.
Apart from solving the commuting woes of Mumbai’s working population, these transport initiatives are also expected to improve the real estate prospects of certain areas. One of the prime beneficiaries will be the areas falling on the Harbour line. The upcoming areas in Navi Mumbai will benefit directly from the 8 km link connecting Airoli to Kalwa. The improved transport system will also give a much needed boost to areas around the 20 stations to be developed under the MUTP-III.
