With four metro projects reaching either the stage of execution or tendering, the state government will take up another metro line — Jogeshwari to Vikhroli (Metro-6) – to connect the east-west corridor.
The elevated Metro-6, with an estimated cost of Rs4,000 crore, will be built along the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), connecting areas with poor rail-based connectivity.
Earlier, it was expected the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation – a joint venture of the Centre and state — will take up this line, amid reports of extension of the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3 to Kanjurmarg. The extension has been ruled out. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will develop the Metro-6.
Currently, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is updating a detailed project report (DPR) on Metro-6.
UPS Madan, MMRDA commissioner, said, “The DPR is expected by the end of the month. Subsequently, it will be put before the state government for approval.”
The project will connect several metro lines such as Metro-3, Dahisar-Andheri (E) Metro-7, Dahisar-Bandra-Mankhurd Metro-2 and Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadavli Metro-4, allowing commuters to travel to different corners of the city and far-flung areas of Thane.
The MMRDA also plans to extend Metro-7 till the city airport, which will provide connectivity between south Mumbai and northern parts of the city.
Except Metro-3, all metro lines in the city will be elevated in order to make them financially viable and ensure speedy execution. The Asian Development Bank has granted loans for Metro-2 and Metro-7.