Mumbai Metro Line 14 construction likely to start within a year

MMRDA will need to obtain environmental clearances, as the proposed alignment passes close to Parsik Hills. Representation pic/iStock

If everything goes according to plan, the ambitious Metro Line 14 project connecting Kanjurmarg and Badlapur may be constructed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.

Senior officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have confirmed that construction is expected to begin within a year. The 39 km stretch is projected to reduce road travel time by 1.5 to 2 hours for commuters. The MMRDA anticipates a daily ridership of around 7 lakh passengers.

The draft Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Magenta Line 14, planned between Kanjurmarg and Badlapur, has been received from Milan Metro.

With tenders likely to be floated soon and work expected to commence shortly, the MMRDA is looking to take inspiration from Milan's metro system, which largely consists of underground tracks. Similarly, the Magenta Line will have underground sections from Kanjurmarg to Ghansoli, transitioning to elevated tracks from Ghansoli to Badlapur.

Apart from providing seamless travel, the new line is also expected to help decongest roads that frequently face hour-long traffic jams, especially during office hours.

The MMRDA will need to obtain environmental and forest clearances, as the proposed alignment passes close to Parsik Hills and the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.

A source told mid-day, "The MMRDA has already had a bad experience implementing a metro project on a PPP basis, so the final decision on the model should only be made after studying all aspects thoroughly."