Yearenders: MMRDA's transformative projects in 2024

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority MMRDA achieved several milestones in the year 2024 Laying the foundation for transformative infrastructure projects were aimed at positioning Mumbai Metropolitan Region MMR as a global economic hub an official statement from the MMRDA saidIt said MMRDAs vision of sustainable urban development and enhanced connectivity is taking shape through a number of iconic projects including metro expansions elevated roads and worldclass sea bridges As 2024 nears end heres a look at the MMRDAs transformative projects in 2024According to a press release issued by MMRDA it has significantly expanded the metro network in 2024 the way citizens commute across the MMR The metro lines not only improve connectivity but also promote an environmentally sustainable and efficient mode of transportationBelow are the details of the metro projects under implementationMumbai Metro Line 2B DN Nagar to MandaleLength 236 kmStations 19Progress 7837 civil work completed 9737 of depot construction at Mandale completedMumbai Metro Line 4 amp 4A Wadala to Kasarvadavali amp Kasarvadavali to GaimukhLength 323 km Line 4 and 27 km Line 4AStations 30 Line 4 and 2 Line 4AProgress 7537 of civil work for Line 4 and 8637 for Line 4A completed Land acquisition for the Mogharpada Depot is progressing steadilyMumbai Metro Line 5 ThaneBhiwandiKalyanLength 249 kmStations 14Progress 9437 of civil work completed for the first phase Thane to Bhiwandi 119 km Partial land acquisition for Kasheli Depot completedMumbai Metro Line 6 Swami Samarth Nagar to VikhroliLength 145 kmStations 13Progress 7737 of civil work completed Land acquisition for Kanjurmarg Depot is underwayMumbai Metro Lines 9 and 7A Dahisar East to Mira Bhayander amp Andheri East to CSMIALength 135 kmStations 10Progress 9237 of civil work completed for Line 9 and 4637 for Line 7AMumbai Metro Line 12 Kalyan to TalojaLength 237 kmStations 19Progress 437 civil work completed Land acquisition for Nilje Depot is ongoingMumbai Metro Line 10 Gaimukh to Shivaji Chowk Mira RoadLength 92 kmStations 4Progress Work to commence post road widening to 60 metersShunya Iconic Bridge Bandra Kurla ComplexAn architectural marvel and engineering feat the Zero Iconic Bridge is a cablestayed structure with a unique zeroshaped pylonLength 130 meters 80 meters main span 50 meters back spanProgress 5037 civil work completedThe new and upcoming projects are being collectively developed by BMC MSRDC and MMRDA Apart from existing facilities the Versova Bandra sea link and Virar ndash Alibaug Multimodal corridor are being constructed by MSRDC BMC is constructing Versova ndash Dahisar link road Dahisar Bhayander link road and Goregaon ndash Mulund link roads Whereas MMRDA is constructing projects such as Orange Gate tunnel Sewri worili connecter Thane Borivali tunnel Gaimukh Bhayander tunnel and elevated road Thane Coastal Road Three Creek Bridges across Thane Creek connecting Thane to Bhiwandi Anand Nagar ndash Saket elevated road and eastern freeway extension from Ghatkopar to Anand Nagar Thane which are creating a various ring routes in mumbai and in ThaneSignalFree Road for Seamless BKCMMRDA has opened a 180meter signalfree road from SEBI Building to Avenue5 via Avenue3 WeWork in BKC completed in a record 35 months half the projected timeline This road significantly eases congestion at BKC Junctions providing three alternative routes to commuters entering BKC from the Eastern ExpresswayWith this development travel time from the Eastern Suburbs to BKC is reduced to just 15 minutes Currently three of the six lanes are operational with the remaining lanes set to open soonAtal Bihari Vajpayee SewriNhava Sheva Atal SetuSpanning 218 km this sixlane Atal Setu is Indiarsquos longest sea bridge connecting South Mumbai Sewri with Navi Mumbai Nhava Sheva Raigad The bridge reduces travel time between south Mumbai and Panvel from 15 hours to just about half an hour 23 minutes Its orthotropic steel deck design ensures minimal environmental impact and protects the flight paths of flamingosSince its opening the Atal Setu has witnessed 7980553 vehicles traveling across it by December 30 2024Orange Gate TunnelA significant extension of the Eastern Freeway the tunnel will connect Eastern Freeway to Marin drive enhancing accessibility to South MumbaiSantacruzChembur Link Road ExtensionThis project planned under the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project MUIP aims to enhance eastwest connectivity supporting traffic flow through the BKC commercial hub The SCLR extension connects BKC to the Eastern and Western Express Highways with a total length of 540 km 4lane 265 km 2lane 375 km Key components include the construction of flyovers at Vakola University and BKC junctions A cablestayed bridge is also being built enhancing connectivity from Vakola Nalla to the Western Express Highway Approximately 9537 of the structural work is complete with remaining tasks progressing steadilyAiroliKatai Naka ProjectThis vital development connects Mumbai Thane and Navi Mumbai enhancing vehicular and freight movement Spanning 123 km the project reduces the distance between KalyanDombivli and Navi Mumbai by 7 km saving 15 minutes of travel timePart 1 ThaneBelapur Road to NH4 10037 work of elevated road completed about 9037 tunnel work is completePart 2 Airoli Bridge to ThaneBelapur Road 7537 work completedPart 3 NH4 to Katai Naka land acquisition in progressTraffic Improvement Project at Chheda Nagar Junction on Eastern Express Highway This project facilitates seamless travel between Mumbai and Thane New flyovers and underpasses reduce travel time by 25ndash30 minutes Flyovers from Sion to Thane Mankhurd to Thane and Chheda Nagar to SCLR are operational Additionally 9637 of the underpass work at Kamaraj Nagar is complete with remaining work progressingThane Borivali Twin Tunnel Project The Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel TBTT project promises to significantly cut down travel time between Thane and Borivali The twin tunnels proposed under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park will utilize stateoftheart Tunnel Boring Machines TBMs which will work with reduced noise and vibration to protect the sensitive flora and fauna of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park SGNP This project will not only enhance connectivity but also ensure the preservation of the parks natural habitatUttanVirar Sea Link Project A proposed North Coastal Road from Versova to Virar will enhance northsouth connectivity reducing travel time between Versova and Virar to just 45 minutes The 55 km UttanVirar Phase1 includes a 24 km sea link with a road width of 195 meters 41 emergency lane and connectors at Virar Uttan and Vasai which will be connected to North Coastal Road from Versova Dahisar amp Dahisar Bhayander Link Road at Uttan The projectrsquos DPR is being reviewed for approval by the Maharashtra GovernmentSewriWorli Elevated RoadSewriWorli elevated road a fourlane corridor that will connect the Atal Setu This project spans a total length of 45 kilometers starting from Sewri and terminating at Narayan Hardikar Road in Worli It will provide a direct link to the Atal Setu the BandraWorli Sea Link and the coastal road project along Mumbais western shoreline The elevated road will ensure a completely signalfree journey significantly saving travel time for commuters traveling to and from Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai resulting in a hasslefree experience Passengers from the western suburbs heading towards Goa and South India will utilize the BandraWorli Sea Link and the Sewri Worli elevated road bypassing the SionPanvel Highway The Sewri Worli elevated road is expected to contribute to 1537 of the total traffic for the Atal Setu Once completed this project will benefit approximately 35000 to 45000 vehicle daily There will be a substantial saving in time and fuel making the overall travel experience more pleasant and signal free for citizens Currently about 6037 of the construction work on this project has been completedPod Taxi Project in BandraKurla Complex BKC A publicprivate partnership project for an automated rapid transit system ARTS this initiative strengthens lastmile connectivity to BKC from Bandra and Kurla Suburban station Fully airconditioned batteryoperated pods running on dedicated guideways will be controlled from a central command center Stations are planned every 200 meters to minimize walking distances for commuters The Concessionaire has been appointed to execute this project on PPP modelDoubleDecker Flyover Metro Line 9 This stateoftheart structure integrates a metro viaduct and road transport at Mira Road reducing congestion and ensuring smooth traffic flowPositioning MMR as a Global Economic HubUnder NITI Aayogrsquos concept of lsquoGrowth Hubsrsquo GHUB MMRDA will be implementing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Economic Master Plan This initiative aims to accelerate Maharashtrarsquos economic growth attract foreign investment and stimulate employment through robust planning and executionTo oversee this endeavour the Government of Maharashtra has established Growth Hub Governing Council chaired by the Chief MinisterMMRDA has been designated as the implementing authority and a dedicated Project Implementation Unit has been set up under the leadership of the Metropolitan Commissioner MMRDA for daily operationsGovernment of Maharashtra and NITI Aayog have collaborated and launched the Report on Developing Mumbai Metropolitan Region MMR as a Global Economic Hub in the presence of Prof Klaus Schwab Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum WEF on 12092024A Memorandum of Collaboration MoC is signed between MMRDA and WEF on 12092024 to create the framework for mutual collaboration between MMRDA and the WEF in the areas of Sustainable Urban and Infrastructure DevelopmentMumbai Metropolitan Region Urban Infrastructure Improvement Programme MMRUIIP GoI GoM MMRDA and KfW signed Loan Agreements for euro100 Million INR 850 Cr and Grant Agreement for euro22 Million INR 19 Cr for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Urban Infrastructure Improvement Programme MMRUIIP focused on Integrated solid waste management and circular economy and Climateresilient urban infrastructure development in MMRGrowth CentersKharbav Growth CenterProposed near BhiwandiNizampur City Municipal Corporation in Bhiwandi Taluka this center is strategically positioned along the VirarAlibaug MultiModal Corridor MMC the MumbaiAhmedabad HighSpeed Rail HSR and the Dedicated Freight Corridor DFC It aims to emerge as a hub attracting significant investmentsPoynad Growth CenterLocated in Alibaug Taluka this center is supported by key infrastructure projects such as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Atal Setu Mumbai Trans Harbour Link MTHL VirarAlibaug MMC and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport It is poised to be a major developmental initiativeKalyan Growth Center KGCMMRDA as the Special Planning Authority will lead this centerrsquos development It is envisioned as a hub for commercial and residential complexes educational institutions and moreIndustrial Growth CentersAnagaon IGCSape IGCAmba IGCThese centers aim to foster economic growth in their respective microregions by boosting connectivity generating employment and advancing industrial development particularly in manufacturing and highgrade industriesThe establishment of these Growth Centers underscores MMRDArsquos commitment to promoting inclusive sustainable and robust development within MMR These initiatives will not only stimulate economic growth but also enhance the overall quality of life for the wider communityThe Growth Centersrsquo holistic approach emphasizes decentralized development diverse employment opportunities affordable housing and integrated health and educational infrastructure with ample open spaces With these efforts MMRDA envisions the Mumbai Metropolitan Region contributing 035 trillion to Indiarsquos economy by 2028Rebooting Mumbai and Reshaping MMR The Rebooting Mumbai and Reshaping MMR concept by MMRDA envisions transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a global urban hub through integrated transport infrastructure sustainable urban development and resilient infrastructure By enhancing connectivity with projects like the VirarAlibaug Multimodal Corridor and Metro expansions alongside smart city solutions and green initiatives MMRDA is reducing travel time boosting economic growth and improving quality of life A critical aspect is addressing housing challenges with largescale slum redevelopment projects like the Ramabai Slum Redevelopment playing a pivotal role These initiatives not only provide dignified living spaces for marginalized communities but also unlock land for infrastructure development fostering inclusive growth and reducing socioeconomic disparities in the region Through these efforts MMRDA aims to modernize Mumbai while ensuring balanced sustainable development across the MMRMumbai 30To facilitate planned development and leverage the potential of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Atal Setu Projectrsquos influence zone 124 villages in Raigad Districtrsquos Uran Panvel and Pen Talukas have been designated as part of the KSC New Town Development Area through a notification dated October 15 2024Covering a total area of 32344 sq km the KSC New Town has vast potential for industrial transport hubs logistics parks and residential uses leveraging existing transportation networks and industrial opportunities This development aims to generate employment and boost MMRrsquos economySteps are underway to conduct aerial surveys prepare GISbased base maps and draft comprehensive zoning and planning proposals for this areaSlum Rehabilitation Projects at Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar The ambitious project aims to rehabilitate thousands of slum dwellers and promote sustainable urban development The Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar rehabilitation projects will be implemented as a joint venture between MMRDA and SRA The project is set to be completed within 48 months Eligible slum dwellers will be provided free housing units as part of this initiative Additionally essential infrastructure such as gardens healthcare centers and educational facilities will be developed The project also includes the expansion of the Eastern FreewayFor the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar Slum Rehabilitation Project Phase 1 the Slum Rehabilitation Authority SRA issued a Letter of Intent on September 6 2024 Furthermore Intimation of Approval IOA was granted by the SRA on December 13 2024 for the construction of Rehabilitation Buildings 1 and 2 A tender for the appointment of contractors for the construction of Phase 1 of this project will soon be floatedSustainable and Resilient Development MMRDA is prioritizing sustainable and resilient development by integrating ecofriendly practices such as energyefficient metro systems green construction technologies and enhanced urban mobility solutions to reduce the regions carbon footprint Additionally it is building climateresilient infrastructure including elevated roads tunnels and coastal projects to ensure seamless connectivity and safety even during adverse weather conditionsMoU Between MMRDA and Samsung C amp T South Korea MMRDA signed MoU with Samsung C amp T South Korea in the World Economic Forum at Davos in 2024 This MoU aims to develop smart cities within MMR featuring efficient inclusive and resilient urban planning Commitment of both parties to mutual cooperation sharing best practices and fostering innovation in the realms of smart infrastructureRealising MMRDAs vision aligning with Samsung Construction and Trade Corporations mission of contributing to the creation of intelligent and safe urban spacesMoU Between MMRDA and River Recycle Oy Finland MMRDA signed MoU with RiverRecycle Oy Finland in the World Economic Forum at Davos in 2024 The partnership aims to address environmental challenges enhance regions sustainability and tackle climaterelated risks The MoU outlines mutual cooperation areas including sharing best practices waste management and the development of blue and green infrastructureThis strategic collaboration aligns with MMRDAs vision to transform the region into a sustainable metropolis contributing to economic growth and improved quality of life for its 30 million residentsMoU Between MMRDA and Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy Government of NetherlandMMRDA signed MoU with Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy Government of Netherland in the World Economic Forum at Davos in 2024This fiveyear partnership fuelled by Dutch expertise and funding will tackle waste management build climate resilience and drive a circular economy paving the way for a cleaner greener and more vibrant future for Mumbais 30 million residentsMoU Between MMRDA and World Smart Cities Forum United Kingdom MMRDA signed MoU with World Smart Cities Forum United Kingdom in the World Economic Forum at Davos in 2024 This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards transforming the MMR into a thriving hub for sustainable and inclusive urban developmentWSCF expertise in smart city planning and cuttingedge technologies will be invaluable in shaping a growth centre that fosters innovation economic prosperity and a high quality of life for all residentsICONIC PROJECTS IN MUMBAIIconic Memorial for Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb AmbedkarSpanning 12 acres in Dadar Indu Mills this memorialrsquos focal point is a 450foottall bronze statue of Dr Ambedkar with a 350foot statue atop a 100foot pedestal Designed to be visible from land sea and air the statue utilizes advanced posttension technology and structural health monitoring systemsThe project includesbull Lecture hallsbull A librarybull Research and meditation spacesbull Green building certification initiativesConstruction progressbull Memorial pedestal 522037bull Gateway structure 8837bull Lecture halls 778537bull Library 801537bull Auditorium 626037bull Basement parking 9537MMRDA remains committed to delivering on these transformative projects ensuring sustainable development and enhanced urban living in MMRConstruction of the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial Phase 1 and Phase 2 To preserve the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray a national memorial is being developed to showcase various phases of his life through exhibits and photographsPhase 1 includes constructing an entrance building administrative building and interpretation center alongside converting the Mayors Residence into a museum while preserving its cultural heritage Beautification of the surrounding area is also part of this phase which has been completedPhase 2 involves technological advancements such as laser shows digital mapping virtual reality augmented reality holography talking campuses LED screens and drone displays visible within a 3 km radius A consultant has been appointed for this phase and the process of contractor selection is underwayFIRST water supply project of MMRDASurya Regional Water Supply Scheme with a 403 MLD Capacity The first water supply initiative by MMRDA this project addresses the drinking water needs of 3 million residents in VasaiVirar MiraBhayandar and 44 villages Compliant with WHO standards the scheme uses gravity for water distribution reducing electricity costs Advanced PLC and SCADA technologies are deployed for control and monitoring Phase 1 has been completed with water supply commenced for VasaiVirar Phase 2 is expected to supply MiraBhayandar by May 2025Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ldquoThe year 2024 has been transformative for MMRDA and Maharashtra The metro expansion and infrastructure projects underscore our commitment to creating a globally competitive urban environment MMRDArsquos initiatives are critical to realizing our vision of making Maharashtra a USD 1 trillion economyrdquoEknath Shinde Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of MMRDA ldquoOur dream of rebooting Mumbai and reshaping MMR is becoming a reality These projects represent progress sustainability and a better future for millions We are creating a metropolitan region that sets benchmarks in urban developmentrdquoDr Sanjay Mukherjee IAS Metropolitan Commissioner MMRDA In the last year we have focussed on the guiding principles of rebooting mumbai reshaping MMR and the concept of Mumbai in minutes leading to a more sustainable MMR We have tried to enhance the position Mumbai as the global economic hub with our novel partnership with the NITI Aayog as we prepared the ecoconomic master plans of MMR for the very first time and moved towards a trillion dollar economy Our partnership with the World Economic Forum makes us the fulcrum in attracting investment in MMR We are committed to developing Mumbai into the city of opportunity for every Indianrdquo