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In a great development for the residents of Navi Mumbai, the long-awaited Navi Mumbai Metro project is now one step closer to becoming a reality. City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has recently obtained the final clearances from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) to commence commercial operations on Line-1, marking the end of a 12-year wait.
Full Operational Approval for Line-1
CIDCO, the governing body responsible for the project, received the CMRS certificate for the operationalization of the Belapur to Central Park stretch on Line-1. This certification follows the previous clearance received in October 2021 for the five stations from Central Park to Pendhar. With these approvals in place, the entire Line-1, covering a distance of 11.1 km from Belapur to Pendhar, is now authorized to begin commercial operations.
The Navi Mumbai Metro project, initiated in May 2011, has faced numerous challenges and experienced significant delays throughout its implementation. Changes in plans, contractor issues, protests, and difficulties in land acquisition by CIDCO have contributed to the project’s prolonged timeline. These delays have also resulted in increased costs, with the estimated project cost reaching Rs 3,400 crore, out of which CIDCO has already invested Rs 2,600 crore.
Financial Support and Milestones
To expedite the project’s completion, CIDCO secured a line of credit worth Rs 500 crore from ICICI Bank. In a positive development, a successful trial run was conducted on December 30, 2022, for the 5 km corridor encompassing five stations connecting Pendhar and Central Park.
Promising Benefits for Navi Mumbai
Once operational, the Navi Mumbai Metro will bring numerous advantages to the city and its residents. The transit network is expected to provide substantial relief to commuters by alleviating traffic congestion in busy areas. Additionally, the metro’s arrival is predicted to have a positive impact on real estate demand in the surrounding areas.
Over the years, many individuals had invested in flats in Navi Mumbai with the expectation of improved connectivity through the proposed metro network. However, the prolonged inactivity of the project had prevented them from enjoying the anticipated benefits. With the final clearances now in place, these residents can look forward to enhanced connectivity and a seamless commuting experience.
As the Navi Mumbai Metro prepares to commence operations on Line-1, the entire city eagerly anticipates the positive transformation it will bring to daily commuting, traffic congestion, and the overall quality of life for residents.