Independent engineer to monitor operations of Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro.

An independent engineer through a consulting firm will be appointed to monitor operations of Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro.

"As per the concession agreement an independent engineer can be appointed for monitoring day-to-day operations," said an official. The official said that according to the provisions of the concession agreement, the independent engineer should be there for the initial six months of the operations. A decision may be taken for later stages for the appointment.

"In January, the term got over and since then the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority officials were acting as independent engineer, and now procedure has been initiated to appoint one," added the official.

The engineer's role would be to monitor daily operations and overall project and accordingly submit report on the same. "As the term states, they are 'Independent' and do not take side of any one and will present their report routinely in an non-partial manner," said the official.

"Independent engineer is a requirement both during the construction and operational phase of Metro. During the project phase the independent engineer was appointed and their term came to an end on December 31. Fresh appointment for the operational phase is the responsibility of MMRDA and they have initiated the process," said a Metro spokesperson in a statement.