‘Historic day’: Mumbai opens metro lines, launches pod taxi, tunnel project

In a major push to strengthen Mumbairsquos public transport infrastructure two metro corridors were partially opened on Tuesday alongside the launch of key mobility projects including a twin tunnel and a pod taxi systemPhase I of Mumbai Metro Line 9 connecting Dahisar to Kashigaon was inaugurated marking progress on the Dahisar EastndashMira Bhayandar corridor Simultaneously Phase I of Mumbai Metro Line 2B between Diamond Garden and Mandale was also flagged offThe twin inaugurations were carried out by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with other dignitariesTunnel Project to Ease ThanendashBorivali CommuteThe leaders also launched a tunnel boring machine TBM for the ambitious ThanendashBorivali twin tunnel project The infrastructure initiative is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease congestion between Borivali and ThaneThe project includes twin tunnels beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park making it one of Indiarsquos deepest urban tunnel developmentsBKC Pod Taxi Project Gets Green SignalThe dignitaries also performed the bhoomipoojan for the Bandra Kurla Complex BKC pod taxi project officially known as the Automated Rapid Transit System ARTSThe system is designed as a modern airconditioned pointtopoint transit solution with pods accommodating up to six passengers Stations will be located approximately every 200 metres across the business district offering a private and efficient commuting optionMumbai Metro Network Expanding RapidlyCalling the occasion a ldquohistoric dayrdquo Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mumbai now has over 100 km of operational metro lines making it the secondlargest network in India after DelhiHe added that most ongoing metro projects are expected to be completed within the next two years with plans to build a network larger than Delhirsquos within the next three to four yearsFadnavis also highlighted the success of the National Common Mobility Card NCMC noting that nearly 80 per cent of commuters have shifted to cashless travelResponding to concerns about a fourlane bridge narrowing into two lanes in the MiraBhayandar area he said the structure was built in a congested zone and the project is still underwayDeputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde who also chairs MMRDA said ldquoThis is a historic day for reducing traffic congestion in MumbairdquoNo Major Traffic Disruptions ReportedDespite the highprofile event no major traffic disruptions were reported Traffic slowed briefly for 5ndash10 minutes during the arrival of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister at Dahisar East metro stationTraffic police personnel were deployed in large numbers to ensure smooth vehicular movementPolice officials managing security arrangements at the VVIP gate dismissed reports of denying entry to the Mayor or her staffldquoThe Mayor and authorised staff entered through the VIP gate without any issue Those not on the list were directed to use an alternate gaterdquo officials saidProject HighlightsMumbai Metro Line 2B Diamond GardenndashMandale Phase ILength 553 km elevatedStations 5Key stations Diamond Garden Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk Deonar Mankhurd MandaleTotal corridor length 23456 km 19 stationsMumbai Metro Line 9 Dahisar EastndashMira BhayandarTotal length 105 km elevatedPhase I DahisarndashKashigaon 47 kmStations Phase I Dahisar East Pandurangwadi Miragaon KashigaonTotal stations 8ThanendashBorivali Twin Tunnel ProjectTotal project length 1184 kmTunnel length 1025 km575 km from Borivali side609 km from Thane sideConnector roads 159 kmAutomated Rapid Transit System Pod Taxi ndash BKCTotal length 885 kmTotal stations 22Phase I 336 kmKey stations Kurla LBS Marg MMRDA Pay amp Park BKC Kalanagar