| Work Detail |
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) has initiated preliminary work on the Metro 11 underground corridor, which will connect Wadala to Regal Cinema. The first step involves appointing an agency for a geo-technical survey of the proposed route.
The Metro 11 project, led by MMRCL, follows their successful execution of the 33.5 km Metro 3 corridor. Initially planned to run between Wadala and CSMT, the route has been revised to better cater to the citys needs.
MMRCLs Director (Planning), R Ramanna, announced that tenders have been issued for the essential geo-technical survey, which is crucial for developing the Detailed Project Report (DPR). This survey will provide critical data for designing structures and selecting construction methods to minimize damage to existing buildings. The survey will involve drilling boreholes at 500-meter intervals along the twin tunnels alignment, with depths ranging from 10 to 20 meters and beyond, as necessary.
The revised Metro 11 route will connect Wadala to the Eastern waterfront, passing through Byculla, Bhendi Bazar, Crawford Market, and ending at S P Mukherjee Chowk (Regal Cinema Circle). This new alignment is designed to serve high-density areas and commercial districts more effectively than the original route, which ran parallel to the Harbour line and did not fully utilize ridership potential. The route will cross major railway lines, including the Harbour and Central Railway lines, and will traverse busy areas like Byculla.
The terminal at S P Mukherjee Chowk is expected to attract many commuters, including tourists visiting the Gateway of India and shoppers from Colaba’s markets. Given the routes passage through densely populated and heritage areas, careful planning is required to minimize disruptions.
The introduction of Metro 11 is expected to reduce reliance on buses and taxis in the CSMT-Ballard Pier-Colaba area, providing a more efficient and cost-effective transportation option, particularly in congested areas like Nagpada and Bhendi Bazaar. The Crawford Market area, known for its bustling retail and wholesale markets, will also benefit from improved access.
The Metro 11 project is estimated to cost ?16,000 crore. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has indicated that discussions and due diligence for funding will commence once the project receives formal approval. |
