MSRDC plans Rs 3,500 crore rail project in Thane

Maharashra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced its plans to construct a 16 km-long Metro rail ring route connecting Thane railway station with surrounding areas.

However, the big question facing the cash-strapped MSRDC is that of funds.

It should be noted that MSRDC has been faced with funding issues in the past because of which the State government had decided to allot the ambitious Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) instead this year.

According to estimates, the 16 km-long ring route project will cost the MSRDC Rs 3,500 crore.

The MSRDC is optimistic about implementing its first Metro project and is confident that work tenders will be awarded to the contractor at the start of the new year. It expects construction to begin by March 2013.

Confirming the development, MSRDC engineer, S Nandargikar said, "We will soon receive a report from the consultant who has been appointed to conduct a detailed survey. The 16 km-long ring route has been planned in such a way that it will not only cater to the new areas that are coming up on the periphery of Thane city but will also lessen the burden of people from the public transport buses."

"Apart from this, commuters, who at present have to face traffic jams, will benefit the most, as they will save a lot of time while commuting," added Nandargikar.

When questioned how the MSRDC will manage to get the huge amount of money that is needed for this project, he said, "We are looking for funding from the State and Central government, including the JNNRUM. It also depends on the financial model that we will finalise to construct the Metro."u00a0