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| Edited By: dna Correspondent |Source: DNA |Updated: Sep 05, 2017, 07:41 PM IST
In Mumbai, more than 12 million people (78 per cent of the city's total population) use public transport daily. Of this, 52 per cent travel by train and 26 per cent by bus. The existing suburban rail system is under extreme pressure and the role of buses is limited to providing feeder services to suburban railways. There are constraints to expand the existing road and rail network capacity. Many pockets in the city and suburbs are not served by rail. Our plan is to create a Metro network of about 200 km. The Metro will connect areas like Lokhandwala in Andheri, Bandra Kurla Complex, Powai, Ghodbunder Road, among others.
There are several lines currently under construction, each having its own deadline. We are working towards making all corridors ready by 2022. In fact, a few Metro lines will be functional before 2022.
Due to an inadequate Mass Transit System, the share of public transport has declined from 88 per cent to 78 per cent in the last two decades. On an average, there are 12-15 deaths reported on Mumbai's suburban railway line. This has led to a rise in private vehicles on the roads. When Metro routes are commissioned, there will be a shift to public transportation as people will prefer air-conditioned alternatives. Also, the Metro will ensure quicker commute. The carrying capacity will be greater. There are environmental benefits too.
With fewer cars on roads, pollution levels will drop. Because of Metro 2 and Metro 4, the passenger km reduced is equivalent to a reduction of 47,787 vehicles on the road. Annually, CO2 emissions will reduce by 2,50,000 tonnes and particulate matters will drop by around 150 tonne.
Yes, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is updating feasibility report and Detailed Project Report. However, the plan is still at a preliminary stage.
