Indian Express 13.09.2010
Across the creek: From Mankhurd to Vashi, a line that can link the twin networks
Prashant Rangnekar Tags : MMRDA, CIDCO, metro Posted: Mon Sep 13 2010, 05:17 hrs
Mumbai: The MMRDA and CIDCO are examining various options for integrating the Metro networks through Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.“We will take the Mumbai Metro rail till Mankhurd. We have had discussions with CIDCO officials and if integration of Metro routes has to happen, then CIDCO has to take the Navi Mumbai line across the Vashi creek and connect it to Mankhurd,” said Metropolitan Commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad.
Consultants Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has proposed corridors for Navi Mumbai. One of these, Vashi-Nerul-Panvel, can be connected with Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd.
If the Navi Mumbai airport plan takes off, Gaikwad said, it can be connected to the domestic airport in Mumbai. “Provisions have been made. CIDCO has plans to connect the proposed airport with a Metro line (Belapur-Kharghar-Taloje-Kalamboli-Khandeshwar-New Airport). If all goes well, we can connect it with the current airport through the Bandra Kurla Complex link.” A 7-km link has been planned to connect BKC with Mumbai airport.
CIDCO officials said the Mumbai Metro, which would be extended to Thane, can be connected with the Navi Mumbai Metro also through the Dighe-Turbhe-Belapur or Vashi-Ghansoli-Mahape corridor. Another possible link between the Mumbai Metro and the route to the proposed airport would be possible if a Metro line, as proposed by the MMRDA, runs along the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link.
“A decision on the Panvel-Nerul-Vashi line will be taken only after 2015. Passenger traffic has to be studied as the line would run almost parallel to the railway line. More importantly, the Navi Mumbai Metro and Mumbai Metro would have separate coaches and signalling systems and that would require synchronisation before any sort of integration,” said B B Mehta, CIDCO’s addl chief engineer (railway projects).
