MMRDA, the nodal agency for building the 300 km Mumbai Metro network, has proposed a plan to build an elevated depot for three Metro lines: Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadavali, Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh, Gaimukh-Shivaji Nagar and Wadala-General Post Office, CSMT at one stop at Mogharpada, Thane. A tender has been floated.

The Bandra-Kurla complex will soon get an Automated Rapid Transit system, Light Rail Transit System or point-to-point podcars as MMRDA is looking for transport services that operate on electric powered guideway system. A consultant will be appointed to prepare a detailed project report.

Bombardier Transportation emerged as the lowest among three bidders after MMRDA opened financial bids of rolling stock contract package for the supply of 234 standard gauge coaches for Mumbai Metro Line-4 (Wadala-Kasaravadavali-Gaimukh).

The trial run of rakes for the Metro 2A (Dahisar to DN Nagar) and Metro 7 (Dahisar to Andheri via Western Express Highway) corridors will be conducted in March instead of January due to a delay in civil works. The rakes were expected to start arriving from November but there was a delay in shipping components from Japan.

The construction work of the second tunnel of Airoli-Katai freeway began recently. The freeway, consisting of 1.68-km-long twin tunnels, is a major part of the project on Thane-Belapur elevated route. The project will connect Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli.

MMRDA has invited bids to supply 9800 MT of head hardened rails for Mumbai Metro’s 32.32 km Green Line which will connect Wadala-Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh through 34 elevated stations. These rails will be manufactured through a special heat treatment process.

The wait for ropeway connectivity to Metro 2A (Dahisar-DN Nagar) may be longer than expected, as MMRDA is still searching for an agency to implement the Ropeway Corridor-1 between Mahavir Nagar Metro Station (Link Road) and Pagoda, Gorai Village on design, finance, build, operate and transfer basis.

MMRDA has started installing escalators that were until recently lying on the Western Express Highway. The authority has already put in position 20 escalators – five at Bandongri Station, four each at Mahindra & Mahindra Station, National Park and Magathane, two at Aarey, and one at Pathanwadi Station.

Plans to connect commercial hubs with Metro Line 7, from Dahisar (East) to Andheri (East), have received four responses, of which MMRDA has approved two. The authority will now establish direct connectivity between Poisar station and Sarova properties through a 500-metre foot overbridge (FOB).