Colaba-Seepz metro could race ahead of Charkop line

Published: Monday, Mar 25, 2013, 10:00 IST
 By DNA Correspondent | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA


The second metro route –Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd – seems to be getting less attention with each passing year. On the other hand, the third route – Colaba-Bandra-Seepz – has not only got more funds but the chief minister’s backing as well.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) budget has been constantly shrinking, from Rs6,653 crore for 2009-10 to Rs4,028 crore for 2013-14. And yet, it has earmarked Rs500 crore for the initiation of the 33km-long third corridor, which is five times more than the amount allocated last year.

“Allocation in the budget this year for the metro rail is a good enough indicator of the MMRDA and chief minister wanting to speed up the implementation of the third corridor,” said an official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The third corridor will be underground at a total estimated cost of Rs24,500 crore. Clearances from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) as well as the viability gap funding for it are still awaited. Even the tendering process is yet to commence.

On the other hand, works for the 32km-long second route, with a price tag of Rs8,250 crore, have already been awarded, but it is yet to take off due to several hurdles, such as Right of Way and MoEF clearances. Allocation for it too has been downsized from Rs138 crore last year to just Rs10 crore in the latest budget.

In the past one year, the MMRDA has been in two minds whether to go ahead twith the second metro corri dor. Although it is seeking legal opinion to scrap the contract with Reliance Infrastructure, it is also sending a fresh proposal to the MoEF to get permission for its proposed car depot at Charkop over mangrove land.

“Such a small amount for a project that has already been awarded means that less importance will be given to it,” added the official.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_colaba-seepz-metro-could-race-ahead-of-charkop-line_1815333