The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has embarked on a feasibility study for a 136km metro rail project from Virar to Alibaug, marking its inaugural venture into metro infrastructure. Part of the INR 355,000 crore Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, designed for 14-lane expressway functionality, the metro line aims to enhance Mumbai's transportation network. Scheduled for completion by 2030, the project will be executed in two phases, covering vital suburbs with approximately 40 stations. A detailed project report is anticipated within 6-8 months, with considerations for optimal cost and route adjustments.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has embarked on a feasibility study for a metro rail project for 136 kilometers, from Virar to Alibaug. This initiative marks MSRDC's first foray into metro rail construction, diverging from its traditional focus on roads, bridges, and flyovers.
The proposed metro rail forms a crucial segment of the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, a massive infrastructure undertaking amounting to INR 55,000 crores. Designed as a 14-lane expressway capable of sustaining speeds up to 120 kmph, the project aims to enhance connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Scheduled for completion by 2030, the corridor will be constructed in two phases: Phase 1 covering a 98.5-km stretch between Navghar and Balavali, and Phase 2 extending over 129.9 km from Balavali to Alibaug.
Termed a "multimodal corridor," the project has various transportation modes, including roads, rail, and metro, to establish an efficient transportation network. The metro line is going to feature at least 40 stations, linking key suburbs of the MMR and running parallel to the multimodal corridor.
An official from MSRDC revealed that a comprehensive project report would be formulated following the initial feasibility study, slated to conclude within 6-8 months. The metro line's trajectory will encompass the proposed Navi Mumbai airport and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, bolstering regional connectivity.
Despite its inclusion in the multimodal corridor, deliberations are underway to ascertain potential adjustments in costs, routes, and other project details. Initially planned to commence from Kharbao in Bhiwandi, experts advocate for suburban rail lines over long-distance routes, citing cost-effectiveness and seamless integration with existing rail infrastructure.
Key decisions, such as determining the car depot location, crucial for enhancing connectivity in areas like Vasai-Virar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Uran, Pen, and Alibaug, remain pending. The feasibility study coincides with the state government's deliberations to transfer the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor and metro line construction responsibilities to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), given its expertise in implementing metro rail projects.
While MMRDA has outlined plans for a vast network of metro rail lines spanning 337 km across MMR, the proposed Virar-Alibaug route is not currently included in these plans.
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