MUMBAI (Metro Rail & Steel): The successful launch and robust response to Line 1 of the Navi Mumbai Metro have spurred the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to accelerate efforts towards commissioning the remaining lines, generating significant revenue and catering to commuter needs. Line 1, spanning 11 km between Belapur terminus and Pendhar in Navi Mumbai, has witnessed a substantial influx of over 1 lakh commuters, generating revenue close to ₹39 lakh through ticket sales, both online and offline.
Rajesh Patil, the Joint Managing Director (JMD) of CIDCO, expressed satisfaction with Line 1’s positive response, highlighting an average daily ridership of over 15,000 commuters using the line to commute from Belapur to Taloja. This successful operation has propelled CIDCO’s focus on expediting the commissioning of Lines 2, 3, and 4. The proposed lines, crucial for connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) terminal, will provide a faster mode of transportation for commuters. Consultants, engaged five months ago, are set to submit the detailed project report (DPR) for these pivotal lines within the next two months.
An official from CIDCO emphasized the significance of the proposed lines, extending from Pendhar through MIDC Taloja and parts of Khandeshwar, as an extension of Line 1 to enhance transportation to the airport terminal. Line 1’s commissioning on November 17 marked a pivotal milestone. The need for a fresh DPR arose due to the extended time taken for the first line’s implementation, with the previous DPR prepared in 2011. The updated DPR aims to assess the current status of the area, including bridge alignments, encroachments, and compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines. CIDCO’s intensified focus on the expansion of the Navi Mumbai Metro is set to transform the region’s transportation landscape, catering to growing commuter demands and enhancing connectivity to the upcoming international airport.
