MMRDA strengthens Mumbai Metro last-mile connectivity with direct access to key developments

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority MMRDA has approved a direct foot over bridge FOB connecting a Metro station on Mumbai Metro Line 4 with the Godrej commercial campus in Vikhroli as part of its efforts to strengthen lastmile connectivity across the citys Metro networkAccording to MMRDA the initiative is aimed at providing commuters with seamless access between Metro stations and adjoining commercial and residential developments improving pedestrian safety reducing travel time and encouraging greater use of public transportDirect Metro access approved for Godrej campusMMRDA said the proposed foot over bridge will allow employees visitors and commuters to travel directly between the Metro station and the Godrej campus without having to cross the busy LBS RoadThe authority said the project is expected to improve commuter convenience while reducing pedestrian movement on surrounding roadsThe approval marks the second project to receive a No Objection Certificate NOC under MMRDAs direct Metro connectivity policy The first such approval was granted for a direct connection between Metro Line 7 and Oberoi MallPolicy requires developers to bear project costAccording to MMRDA commercial and residential developments seeking direct access to Metro stations are required to pay a onetime nonrefundable development fee under its policy frameworkThe authority said applicants must bear the entire cost of designing and constructing the foot over bridge and pay an additional six per cent of the construction cost towards MMRDAs supervision charges to ensure compliance with engineering structural and safety standardsEvery proposal undergoes technical structural and safety assessments before permission or a No Objection Certificate is granted MMRDA saidAs part of the Vikhroli project Godrej amp Boyce has paid a onetime nonrefundable development fee of Rs 10 crore to MMRDA The company will also bear the full cost of constructing the foot over bridgeMore direct connectivity proposals under reviewMMRDA said the model has already demonstrated benefits through the direct Metro connection to Oberoi Mall allowing commuters to access the commercial complex without stepping onto the main roadThe authority is also examining several similar proposals across the Metro network Among them is a proposal from Bharat Diamond Bourse for direct connectivity to Metro Line 2BAccording to MMRDA once implemented the project is expected to benefit nearly 40000 daily users by reducing pedestrian congestion around the station and encouraging greater Metro usageGovernment says policy supports Metro sustainabilityAccording to MMRDA Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the policy aims to improve lastmile connectivity while strengthening the financial sustainability of Mumbais Metro networkThe Government has introduced this policy to provide direct Metro access to major commercial and residential developments thereby strengthening lastmile connectivity It is a winwin model for both commuters and the Metro system While direct connectivity encourages more people to use the Metro resulting in higher fare revenue the onetime development fee and other NonFare Box Revenue generated under this policy further strengthen the financial sustainability of the Metro network This innovative approach enables us to expand and sustain worldclass public transport infrastructure without placing the entire financial burden on commutersMMRDA highlights safety and commuter benefitsAccording to MMRDA Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said every proposal is subjected to rigorous technical and safety scrutiny before approvalWe are receiving encouraging responses from commercial establishments and residential developments seeking direct Metro connectivity Every proposal undergoes rigorous technical and safety scrutiny before approval These initiatives improve lastmile connectivity reduce congestion around Metro stations strengthen commuter convenience and generate sustainable nonfare revenue that supports the longterm financial health of the Metro networkMMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said seamless lastmile connectivity plays a crucial role in increasing public transport usageLastmile connectivity is one of the most important factors influencing public transport usage Through this initiative MMRDA is creating seamless integration between Metro stations and major commercial and residential destinations while ensuring that the cost of such connectivity is borne by the beneficiary institutions This not only improves commuter experience and promotes higher Metro ridership but also supports the financial sustainability of Maha Mumbai Metro We welcome more eligible developments to partner with us while maintaining the highest engineering and safety standardsAccording to MMRDA the direct connectivity policy is intended to improve commuter access to Metro stations while generating nonfare revenue that can support the longterm expansion and maintenance of Mumbais Metro network