Mumbai metro first phase to cost more

Mumbai, May 24 (UNI) The first phase of the Mumbai metro rail project will incur an additional expenditure of Rs 3,000 crore, with the Maharashtra government deciding to have the Mahim-Mahalaxmi section elevated on the Colaba-Mahim-Charkop corridor.

Addressing the mediapersons after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the Cabinet also approved standard gauge system for the prestigious project. He said the decision has been taken keeping in view the geographical position of Mumbai. Due to the decision to have standard gauge, the State government will save Rs 1,027 crore.

Earlier, it was decided that Colaba-Mahim-Charkop section will have underground rail from Colaba to Mahalaxmi. But, now only Colaba-Mahim will be underground, Mr Deshmukh said.

Apart from the Colaba-Mahim-Charkop (38 km), the first phase includes Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar (12 km) and Bandra-Kurla-Mankhurd (13 km).

He said a total of nine routes on Mumbai metro will be completed in three phases.

The decision on whether to have a standard gauge or broad gauge was left to the State government by the Centre. ''Even though there were pro and anti-arguments, we have decided on standard gauge, considering the prevailing situation in Mumbai including availability of space,'' the CM said and added that standard gauge is four ft and 10 inches and broad gauge is five ft and six inches.

Reliance- Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group has won the contract to develop the Versova-Andheri Ghatkopar corridor on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis.

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