Mumbai Metropolitan Region Sees Progress in Metro Projects
The metro projects in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) seem to be making a progress amidst certain delays. While the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has invited bids for its underground metro line between Colaba and SEEPZ in Mumbai, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) in Navi Mumbai, is planning to extend its Belapur-Taloja line to Kalyan. Both lines are intended to improve connectivity in MMR.
Bids for underground metro line
MMRDA has invited bids for prequalification for constructing the third metro line between Colaba and SEEPZ via Bandra. This is the third line in phase 1 of the Mumbai metro rail project. MMRDA plans to start construction of this line from May next year. This will be Mumbai’s first underground corridor as well as the city’s one of the most expensive infrastructure projects. The metro line will be 33.5 km long with 26 underground stations. The cost of the project is estimated to be approximately Rs. 23,130 crore.
The corridor will be built on a cash contract basis. The pre-qualification bids will be evaluated by November 30th and companies will be shortlisted. Proposals will be called for by the first week of December and the shortlisted companies will be given two months to submit tenders. The final work orders will be issued by March and loans will be disbursed as per construction schedule.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing a loan for about 57.2% of the project. Both the central and state governments will be bearing an equity of 10.4% each, and subordinate debts of 4.4% and 7% respectively. MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Ltd) will bear 3.4% of the cost and has agreed to construct three stations. MMRDA is planning to raise 4.3% through various modes. The remaining part of the funds are expected to come from a central government scheme reserved to bolster exports.
Belapur-Taloja line to be extended
CIDCO is planning to extend the Belapur-Kharghar-Taloja line to Kalyan to improve connectivity between Navi Mumbai and Thane. It is a mega project which is intended to improve the economic development of Kalyan and adjoining areas of Ulhas Nagar and Dombivli. Kalyan is a strategic railway junction as it is connected to important cities across the country. Navi Mumbai houses important government organizations such as CIDCO, Reserve Bank and the SCC Board.
The Belapur-Taloja line is part of Phase I of the Navi Mumbai metro project which is expected to be commissioned by December 2014. The extension of line to Kalyan-Ulhas Nagar-Murbad will reduce traffic time between Thane and Navi Mumbai. The survey is to be conducted shortly.
