MRVC submits feasibility report of Mumbai Urban Transport Project-IV

Mumbai (Urban Transport News): The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation Limited (MRVC) on Tuesday submitted feasibility report to the Maharashtra state government and proposed a 33.8 km-underground sub-urban railway corridor under Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). In report, it has been claimed that if the project is implemented as per the plan commuters can complete their journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai to Thane city in 21 minutes. This project will be a part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), which would be implemented jointly by the Indian Railways and the state government to improve public transport in Mumbai and its surrounding areas.

Project cost

In 2018, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had conducted a feasibility study of the proposed corridor and submitted to the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) earlier this month.The cost of the project is initially estimated to Rs 15,506 crore, which may increased further to Rs 17,962 crore owing to various factors including land acquisition. Under the plan, 9 coach trains are proposed to run in the entire corridor.

Project details

The Mumbai Urban Transport Project (Phase IV) includes two other railway projects viz. the elevated corridor between CSMT and Panvel, and the third and fourth railway lines between Panvel and Vasai. The approximate cost of all projects under MUTP-IV is Rs 34,926 crore. It has been expected that the clearance for MUTP-IV may be taken before the elections state in October. Once the state cabinet approves the project, it will be sent to the Ministry of Railways, which will further send it to the Niti Ayog for approval. Thereafter, it would be sent to the Union cabinet for getting approval for implementation and funding.

Proposed Stations

According to the report, a total six stations have been suggested on the CSMT - Thane corridor namely CSMT, Dadar, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Bhandup and Thane. A depot-cum-workshop has also been planned near Bhandup for overhauling/maintenance of trains, repairs and replacement of heavy equipment. However, in the report it has been stated that land required for construction of an underground station at Ghatkopar is not available and hence it can have a stack platform design there.

Rolling Stock

According to the plan, a nine-coach Metro - like train with capacity to carry 300 passengers each will be run between 5 am and midnight. The operational speed of the train on the entire corridor will be 90 km/h and the halt time at railway station will be for 30 seconds.

Land requirement

As the phase IV of MUTP corridor will be underground, it does not require any land acquisition. However, about 24.934 hectares land will be required for some mandatory facilities like provision of entry- exit points, maintenance depots, traffic integration facilities, auxiliary sub-stations, construction yards, staff quarters and other office complex. In March this year, the Union cabinet gave nod for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-3A) that would cost Rs 33,690 crore.