Maharashtra keen to construct next 2 routes of Metro overground, says chief secy

MUMBAI: The state government may favour elevated corridor instead of underground route for the both, Dahisar-Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd and Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadavli corridor to cut cost on this project aimed at improving mass rapid transport system in suburbs.
The erstwhile democratic front government led by former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had favoured underground corridor soon after he inspected the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar elevated corridor because of its impact adverse on road, traffic and surrounding properties during the construction phase.
Both these projects came up for discussion discussion in the War room meeting called by chief minister to review the progress.
State chief secretary Swadhin Khastriya said, “Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is in favor of elevated corridor to save cost.”
MMRDA officials have said that the underground project is three time costlier then elevated. A senior official said, “The cost of building is underground station is Rs 150 crore as against Rs 25 crore elevated station. Moreover, underground project is difficult to execute because contractors need land to enter Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). Comparatively, it is easier to build the pillar on the road.”
While the 40 km long Dahisar-Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd (DCBM) was planned totally underground, the Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadali was to be partially elevated.
The elevated corridor, which will pass through Linking road, is likely to face stiff resistance from residents, who were vociferous in demanding an underground route.
Another official said, “Underground is also much also difficult to execute because of debri management will cause huge logistical problems. Also, shifting of utilities like sewer lines, water supply lines etc will be huge challenge.”
The state has planned to undertake bhoomipujan of these two projects before the end of this year. Both the projects have also received allocation in this year’s budget for carrying out preliminary works.
A senior official said, “The savings due to elevated corridor can also help us use money for other capacity expansion projects in different parts of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).”
It appears that the 32.5 km long Metro III (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz) will be the only corridor that will have underground route.