Maharashtra To Add 300 Km Of Metro Lines By 2030

Maharashtra is set to expand its metro rail network significantly, with plans to operationalise over 300 km of new metro corridors by 2030. This was announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure.

The state is currently building a comprehensive metro network to support future urban growth and improve connectivity in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). As of now, 174 km of metro corridors are operational across the state, while construction is underway on another 291 km.

In addition to the ongoing projects, there are plans to develop new metro lines covering 130 km, which are awaiting approval. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are also being prepared for another 87.15 km of metro lines. The total cost of the metro projects being implemented in Maharashtra stands at Rs 2.80 lakh crore.

The Central Government will contribute Rs 27,216 crore, while the State Government will provide Rs 50,250 crore. Another Rs 75,729.62 crore will be mobilised through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), local bodies, and planning authorities. The remaining funds will be raised through government-guaranteed loans.

The proposed and operational metro network in Maharashtra will eventually span 683.53 km, including 428.89 km in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, 169.45 km in the Pune Metropolitan Region, and 85.20 km in the Nagpur Metropolitan Region. The government aims to commission 87 km of metro lines and 56 stations during the current year.

By 2029-30, the state plans to add 302 km of metro corridors along with 161 new stations. The meeting also reviewed the progress of Metro Line 10, which will connect Mira Gaon and Gaimukh in the MMR. The 9.68-km elevated corridor is estimated to cost Rs 8,500 crore and will comprise five stations.

Fadnavis instructed officials to complete the project within three years after all statutory approvals are secured. The government has also outlined several future metro projects, including Metro Line 11 from Anik Depot to the Gateway of India and Metro Line 8 connecting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with the Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Other planned corridors include Metro Line 13 linking Shivaji Chowk and Vasai-Virar, Metro Line 14 from Kanjur to Badlapur, and Pune Metro Phase III connecting Nigdi, Wakad, Nashik Phata, and Chakan. The expansion of the metro rail network is expected to provide faster, safer, and environmentally sustainable public transport across Maharashtra's major urban centres.

The project is a significant step towards improving the state's infrastructure and supporting its future growth. With the planned expansion, Maharashtra is set to become one of the states with the most comprehensive metro networks in the country.

The completion of the metro projects will not only improve connectivity but also provide a boost to the state's economy. The government's focus on developing a robust public transport system is a welcome move, and the people of Maharashtra can look forward to a more convenient and sustainable travel experience in the coming years.

In conclusion, the expansion of the metro rail network in Maharashtra is a significant development that will have a positive impact on the state's infrastructure, economy, and environment. With the government's commitment to completing the projects within the stipulated timeframe, the people of Maharashtra can expect a better public transport system in the near future.