Preparations are underway at all Metro stations to address issues related to passenger safety and facilities, as suggested by engineers
The Belapur terminal of the Navi Mumbai Metro next to the CBD Belapur railway station
Almost four months after the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) officials claimed they were ready to commence the long-awaited metro project; an inauguration date has finally been set. According to internal CIDCO correspondence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the metro on October 30.
Preparations are underway at all metro stations to address issues related to passenger safety and facilities, as suggested by engineers. Metro Line 1 received the necessary approvals for operation on June 21, 2023. However, CIDCO officials are cautious, referring to the date as tentative.
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The proposed Navi Mumbai Metro Line took 12 years to complete from the ground-breaking ceremony, which took place on May 1, 2011, under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. Despite plans by CIDCO to complete the first line within three years, various delays, including legal and technical issues, prolonged the construction of the 11.10 km Navi Mumbai metro with 11 stations. Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai metro will run from CBD Belapur to Pendhar, playing a significant role in improving connectivity and expanding the real estate market in Navi Mumbai.
End-to-end journey time is expected to be 18 minutes. Representation pic
The construction of stations and aspects of Line 1 were initially awarded to San Jose Constructora, Mahavir Roads, and Supreme Infra JV, but the contract was later cancelled by CIDCO. To expedite construction, the Maharashtra Metro Railway Corporation (MahaMetro) took over in February 2021. After five months, MahaMetro was also awarded the operations and maintenance contract for Line 1 for the next 10 years at a cost of R885 crore plus taxes.
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In October 2021, CIDCO received the CMRS (Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety) certificate to operate the Navi Mumbai Metro for a 5.4 km stretch from Pendhar to Central Park. However, CIDCO completed construction on all 11 stations on Line 1 and proceeded with CMRS certification. Finally, on June 21, 2023, CIDCO officials announced that they had received all the necessary approvals and certifications to run the metro. The project incurred a cost of approximately Rs 250 crore per kilometre, making the total cost of Line 1 approximately Rs 2500 crore. Every day of delay in operation adds to the project's cost, burdening taxpayers.
After receiving all the necessary approvals, CIDCO officials informed the chief minister's office of their readiness to launch the metro line. The chief minister's office was working to secure a date for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the project. In mid-October, preparations were initiated in anticipation of the PM's arrival before Navratri.
Now, internal correspondence from CIDCO officials has confirmed the inauguration of the metro line by the PM on October 30. In a letter accessed by mid-day, CIDCO's metro superintendent engineer informed the executive director of Maha-Metro Rail Corporation Ltd about the inauguration date. CIDCO engineers conducted inspections of all stations, identifying shortcomings related to passenger safety and facilities, which they have asked to rectify promptly.
CIDCO officials have directed Maha-Metro Rail Corporation to address all the issues pointed out by CIDCO engineers and provide a compliance report as soon as possible. In addition to the metro, the second phase of the Belapur-Uran railway line from Kharkopar to Uran and Digha railway station on the Trans Harbour Vashi-Thane line are also set for inauguration. The PM is highly likely to inaugurate both the line and the Digha railway station, which has been ready for months. The railway station is located on the Trans Harbour line between Airoli and Thane.
When asked about the date, CIDCO officials declined to comment on the record, but official sources claimed that the October 30 date is tentative, pending approval from the PMO.
11.10KM
Length of the Metro line
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