Why Mumbai is Building Its Biggest Metro Network

Summary

The Mumbai Metro is set to transform into India's second longest metro network, with over 180 km under construction and an additional 11.4 km operational. This expansion aims to alleviate traffic congestion and ease the load on the Mumbai Suburban Railways, which cater to over 70 lakh passengers daily. The metro's development, overseen by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), includes various lines with different statuses—some operational, many under construction, and several planned. Once completed, the network will span 193 km, significantly enhancing Mumbai's transportation infrastructure and quality of life for its residents.

Takeaways

• 🚇 Mumbai Metro is the first rapid transit system in Maharashtra, aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan region.
• 📉 Currently, it is the 12th-longest metro network in India, but with ongoing expansions, it's poised to become the 2nd longest.
• 🔨 A significant 180 km+ of the metro line is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2022.
• 🚊 The existing Mumbai Suburban Railways, also known as local trains, handle over 70 lakh passengers daily, highlighting the need for the metro.
• 🏗️ The city's tram system, which was discontinued in 1964, once provided an additional mode of transport, increasing the reliance on local trains post-discontinuation.
• ⏳ The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) was established in 1975 to improve transport, housing, and the environment in Mumbai.
• 🌐 The metro and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) were planned to alleviate traffic and provide a faster mode of transport.
• 💰 The construction of various metro lines involves significant investments, with Line 1 costing ₹4,300 Cr and Line 2 expected to cost around ₹6,400 Cr to ₹11,000 Cr.
• 📈 With multiple lines under construction and more planned, Mumbai's metro network is set to expand to 193 km, becoming the second-largest after Delhi Metro.
• 🌟 The metro expansion is not only about reducing traffic congestion but also about improving the overall quality of life for Mumbai residents.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Mumbai Metro?

The purpose of Mumbai Metro is to increase connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan region.

What is the current operational length of Mumbai Metro?

11.4 km of line is operational.

How long is the Mumbai Metro expected to be after the under-construction lines are completed?

After the under-construction lines are completed, it will become India's 2nd Longest Metro.

What is the current status of the Mumbai Metro expansion?

180 km+ length is under construction, which is expected to be completed by 2022.

How many passengers travel through Mumbai Suburban Railways daily?

70 lakhs+ passengers travel through Mumbai Suburban Railways daily.

When did Mumbai's trams start and end?

Mumbai's trams started in 1907 and were discontinued in 1964.

What is the role of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)?

MMRDA's role is to make plans and policies, and implement projects to improve Mumbai's transport, housing, and environment.

When did the construction of Mumbai Metro Line 1 and Monorail start?

Metro construction started in 2008, and Monorail construction started in 2009.

What is the total estimated cost of the under-construction Metro lines in Mumbai?

The total estimated cost of the under-construction Metro lines is nearly ₹90,000 Cr.

What is the expected completion timeline for all the planned Metro lines in Mumbai?

The deadline for all the planned Metro lines is 2024 or before.

How will the completion of the Metro lines impact Mumbai's transportation?

The completion of the Metro lines will provide relief from traffic congestion, reduce overcrowding in local trains, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.