In a bid to revolutionize Mumbai's public transport system and address the challenge of land scarcity, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to introduce a ground breaking solution – two-level parking spaces for metro rakes. This strategic move aims to significantly enhance the efficiency and capacity of the city's metro network, ultimately reducing train frequency and bolstering connectivity.
The flagship project's inaugural phase is currently taking shape at Mandale, Mankhurd, where construction of the first depot is well underway. The blueprint is set to be replicated at two other crucial locations – Kanjurmarg and Kasheli. The unique two-level parking concept is anticipated to double the available space and subsequently augment the holding capacity. This transformation is poised to yield a remarkable result: a potential reduction in train intervals from the current 7-8 minutes to an impressive 2-4 minutes, comparable to metro systems globally.
With Kanjurmarg catering to Line-6, connecting Andheri West's Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli, and Kasheli serving Line-5's Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan route and Line-12 between Kalyan and Taloja, the impact of this innovation is set to reverberate across major corridors of the city. Government officials emphasized the game-changing potential of the two-tier parking strategy.
Mandale, the site of the first elevated and largest depot, will cover a sprawling 30.44-hectare area and host a two-level structure accommodating up to 72 rakes. This depot will serve the elevated Metro Line 2B, stretching 26.3 kilometres from DN Nagar to Mandale. Besides its sheer size, the depot's strategic location is set to enhance connectivity between the city's western suburbs and its eastern corner.
The progress made at Mandale is promising, with 75% of civil work already completed. The depot is not only designed for parking but also includes technical and service buildings to ensure seamless operations. "The success of this initiative at Mandale has encouraged us to extend this concept to other depots where groundwork is already underway," shared an MMRDA official.
However, the road to implementation isn't without hurdles. While land acquisition is progressing steadily for the proposed depot at Kasheli village, challenges remain for the depot at Mogharpada in Thane district. Currently, Mumbai relies on two existing metro depots: one serving Lines 2B and 7 in Charkop and another facilitating Metro Line 1 between Versova and Ghatkopar.
As Mumbai's population continues to surge, innovative solutions like the two-level metro parking facilities are crucial for optimizing the city's public transportation network. MMRDA's proactive approach to addressing these challenges sets a promising precedent for sustainable urban development in the metropolis.
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