Project to be executed in packages on cash contract basis.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to begin work next year on the third Metro railway line from Colaba to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and SEEPZ.
MMRDA commissioner Rahul Asthana told DNA that the authority was planning to begin work on the 33.5-kilometre long line in August or September, 2013. The line, expected to cost around Rs24,430 crore (September prices) will be completely underground, and wind its way to SEEPZ from Colaba via the business hub of BKC.
Asthana said work on the project would be executed in six-seven packages on a cash contract basis, as it was not possible for a single party to take on work of this magnitude alone.
This line will connect Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point, Fort, Girgaon, Mahalaxmi, Worli, BKC, the domestic and international airports and SEEPZ. MMRDA has claimed that the fully air-conditioned system will lead to a significant travel time reduction, with the distance being covered in just 50 minutes as compared to 100 minutes by car and 80 by suburban railway.
A senior MMRDA official said that if work on the project began in 2013, it would take around six years, and conclude in 2019. He added that the Metro railway line was planned to have interchanges with the suburban railway network at Churchgate, CST, Mumbai Central and Mahalaxmi, reaching the vicinity of Mahim station, and also with the second Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd Metro railway line in BKC and the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar line at Marol. The line is expected to have 27 stations en route.
The ridership on the route is expected to increase from 13.87 lakh in 2025 to 16.99 lakh in 2031. MMRDA is planning to put in 20 percent as equity, with a similar amount coming from the Centre and the remaining amount to be raised as loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Centre has agreed in principle for equity infusion into the project.
The project is proposed to have depots at Aarey Milk Colony and night-stabling facilities at Colaba.
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