Maharashtra clears Metro 12A and two elevated roads in Thane-Navi Mumbai belt at Rs 13,856.37 crore

Good news for those commuting daily between Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli and Navi Mumbai: the state government has approved an integrated project covering Mumbai Metro Line 12A and two important elevated roads. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion in the Shilphata, Kalamboli and Navi Mumbai areas.

The three projects are expected to cost a total of Rs 13,856.37 crore. The project report has also been approved. Responsibility for implementation has been given to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The target is to complete the entire work in three and a half years.

Metro 12A will be an extension of the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan line, Mumbai Metro Line 5. It will run from Mankoli to Kalyan Phata, Shilphata and onward to Khutarigaon, Taloja. Including the section connecting the depot, its total length will be 18.4 km. Twelve elevated stations will be built on the route. The cost of Metro 12A is estimated at Rs 9,366.53 crore.

The line will make travel easier between Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and Panvel. The project is seen as playing an important role in reducing the jams now seen at Shilphata, Kalyan Phata and Kalamboli.

Two elevated roads will be built along with the metro, at a stated total cost of Rs 4,489 crore. The first will run from Kalyan Phata to Mankoli. It is 6.92 km long and will be a two-plus-two lane road, at an estimated cost of Rs 2,516.90 crore.

The second will run from Kalyan Phata to Khutarigaon, Taloja. It is 8.69 km long and will be a three-plus-three lane road, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,972.94 crore. In all, a provision of Rs 13,856.37 crore has been made for the metro and the two elevated roads.

For the integrated project, the state government will give an interest-free subordinate loan of Rs 2,062.22 crore. This includes Rs 1,743.57 crore for taxes, Rs 314.53 crore for land acquisition and Rs 4.12 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement. MMRDA will raise the remaining amount from its own financial resources and from domestic, bilateral and multilateral financial institutions. Interest of Rs 1,271 crore will be charged during construction.

MMRDA will acquire the private land needed for the project. The authority will also handle the rehabilitation and resettlement of people affected by it. Government and semi-government land is to be given at a nominal rate. MMRDA is expected to submit a time-bound schedule to the government within 15 days for implementation.

Toll collection under a controlled-access system has been approved for the entire elevated route, meaning motorists using it will have to pay a toll. The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy will apply within 500 metres of the metro line. The policy permits raising money for the project from the premium on additional floor space index. MMRDA has been appointed the special planning authority for the project.

Once Metro 12A and the two elevated roads are built, connectivity between Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and Panvel is expected to improve. With more public transport options, the project could also help reduce the load of vehicles on the roads.