You must have heard that Mumbai is in the process of getting an intricate network of metro rails. It has recently started a feasibility study for a metro connection between Virar and Alibaug. Constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation or the MSRDC, it will be the longest metro project that Mumbai has seen so far. Here are all of the important details that we know so far about the Virar-Alibaug Metro.
Virar-Alibaug Metro: What We Know So Far About It
According to an article which was recently published by the Hindustan Times or HT, this is the first time that MSRDC will undertake a road transport project. The corporation usually only undertakes the construction of bridges, flyovers and roads.
Once completed, the Virar-Alibaug Metro line will stretch across 136 kilometres. This will make it the longest metro line in Mumbai. The feasibility study of the project, which is being conducted by the MSRDC, has recently been initiated.
It will be concluded in around six to eight months. This particular metro line is slated to have as many as 40 stations. Once completed, it aims to connect the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority or JNPA.
Other Details About Mumbai’s Longest Metro Project
This metro line is being constructed as part of a multi-modal corridor which will cost a whopping ₹55,000 crores to make. If reports are to go by, the project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will stretch across 98.5 kilometres between Navghar to Balavali.
The second phase will connect Balavali to Alibaug and will stretch across 129.9 kilometres.
As per a transport expert cited in the HT article, AV Shenoy, an elevated metro line will be three times costlier than a suburban railway line and will be a waste of public money. Hence, it is better to have a railway line for long distances as it will also cater to freight cars.
Also Read: Metro News: Mumbai Metro Line 3 Set For Phase 1, Namma Metro To Get Chinese Rakes & More Updates
Do you think this project should be undertaken especially given that experts think that a suburban line will be cheaper? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons (For Representational Purposes Only)
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