Mumbai Metro, Monorail projects to meet December 2010 deadline

The first phase of Mumbai Metro and Monorail which will benefit the suburban population in the metropolis will meet its December 2010 deadline.

Addressing a press conference at the suburban collectorate office, Mumbai suburban guardian minister Naseem Khan said the work on the two mega projects is in advanced stages and would meet the deadline.

"80 per cent of Mumbai's population lives in the suburbs and they would be benefited with the completion of these projects. The first phase covers Andheri-Versova-Ghatkopar through Metro and Chembur-Wadala section through Monorail," Khan said after reviewing the Infrastructure development projects currently being undertaken in the suburbs.

He said the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) and the Eastern Freeway would be delayed due to hitches like facilitating the rehabilitation of displaced people.

Khan said the Milan sub-way Rail Over Bridge (ROB) would become operational by July 2010 easing the problems arising due to flooding during monsoon.

Similarly, the Rs 400 crore project of beautification of area along the Mithi River covering 6 km from Mahim to CST bridge is also underway and would be completed by December this year, he said.

The Minister said the state government has approved Rs42,000 crore worth projects to upgrade Mumbai's infrastructure by 2013.