Metro Line planned along proposed Coastal Road in Mumbai
The scale and scope of the ambitious coastal road project in Mumbai is likely to be expanded. After the Centre’s willingness to modify Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms for the project, it’s set to see some major additions. The Maharashtra state government has now envisaged a Metro Rail component and a bus rapid transit (BRT) line along the proposed 34-km freeway connecting South Mumbai to the Western suburbs.
Major infrastructure overhaul
The government is exploring the option of setting up two additional lanes for a Metro Rail and another two lanes for a dedicated bus transit network for the project that was originally conceived as a six-lane ring road to decongest vehicular traffic.
The coastal road plan entails reclamation of 110 hectares of land. The project had hit a hurdle during the previous Congress-NCP regime over CRZ regulations prohibiting reclamation. However, a breakthrough came at a meeting between Union Environment Minister Prakash Jawdekar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in January, with the former expressing willingness to amend CRZ norms on some conditions.
The proposal to incorporate a Metro Rail and BRT line aims to strengthen Mumbai’s public transport systems. While the estimated cost of the coastal road is pegged at Rs 9,000 crore currently, the addition of the mass rapid transit systems could push up costs by Rs 7,000 crore.
Metro routes may get redefined
If the plan to add a metro line and BRT line to the coastal road project is approved, the present Metro plans will also have to be altered. At least two of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) proposed Metro routes, meanwhile, could return to the drawing board including the Dahisar-Bandra-Mankhurd route and Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ route.
While the MMRDA’s routes are brownfield projects and partly underground projects requiring complex rehabilitation of project-affected people, a Metro route on the coastal ring road will ensure a larger span in a shorter time frame. It would also be a cost-effective option. Official estimates say the cost of setting up an underground Metro Rail route is Rs 800 crore per km, whereas an elevated rail can be built at Rs 220 crore per kilometre. In the case of the coastal road project, the option of a Metro route ‘at grade’ would cost Rs 70 crore per kilometer.
The second Metro line’s cost has been pegged at more than Rs 24,000 crore. Keeping this in view, Chief Minister Fadnavis is said to be keen on the project as a ‘Metro on the ground‘, except for three underground stretches at Juhu, Bandra and Malabar Hill, will be cheaper than the proposed second Metro line, which will be completely underground.
Coastal Road network to ease traffic
According to government officials, an integrated study to understand pros and cons has been commissioned. The government is keen on building a Metro network along the coastal road to discourage Mumbaikars from travelling in private vehicles and reduce congestion and pollution. The existing coastal road plan has incorporated the bus rapid transit system to facilitate easier commute.
The existing lines have been decided by various consultants such as Delhi Metro Rail Corporation after studying the city’s existing and future commuter movement thoroughly. If the commuters in the Western parts are encouraged to use the Metro planned along coastal road, then the burden on the existing suburban route will reduce. Commuters on the eastern section of the Western suburbs can travel easily through the suburban railway or the 3rd Metro line.
However, some urban planners fear that the Metro will affect toll connection on the coastal route.
Environmentalists question impact
Environmentalists feel that adding two more lanes to the coastal road for the metro and BRTS will have a further negative impact on the environment, as debris will be dumped in the sea. There could be an increase in the level of sea water due to this resulting in water logging during the monsoons. Marine life would also be affected as a result of debris which could have a spiraling effect on the quality of fish consumed in the city.
Activists are also concerned that the scenic beauty of the coastline will be marred with the construction of these projects. They allege that there has been no proper study for the construction of the coastal road and the metro along the same route.
Protests notwithstanding, the state government hopes to obtain a formal nod from the Centre for the coastal road project soon. It has set its sights on readying the detailed project report and starting work by the year-end.
Experts claim that the construction of the coastal road is imperative to decongest traffic and would transform Mumbai into a world-class city. It is also being said that environmental concerns with regard to reclaiming land have been exaggerated and it is in Mumbai’s interest to build the coastal road. Dotted by promenades, open spaces, cycling tracks and a view of the sea, the road will be uninterrupted by traffic signals. Motorists may be able to zip across the stretch in 45 minutes.
