4.3.19

Mumbai Monorail Fully Operational

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the much-delayed 11.28-km second phase of the Chembur-Wadala-Jacob Circle monorail network.

With this, the entire 19.54-km route of the country’s first monorail system, being implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, is now functional.

The 8.26-km first phase, built and operated by a consortium of Larsen & Toubro and Malaysian firm Scomi Engineering, was commissioned in February 2014.

Speaking at the event, Fadnavis said the country’s first ever monorail had faced many hurdles and delays in the past but was now finally seeing the light of day. “The first 8-km route which got commissioned in 2014 was used as a mere joyride because there was no last mile connectivity. But now, with the commissioning of the second phase, it will no longer remain a joyride but passengers can now use it for a hassle-free commute,” he said.

The CM said the monorail’s annual ridership will now increase from the current 4.5 lakh to 30 lakh.

“In the process of urbanisation, the most important element that needs to be addressed is mobility. It is necessary to develop an efficient and sustainable public transport system. In Mumbai we have a strong suburban railway system, and with the projects like monorail and metro network, we will be able to develop sustainable mobility,” he said.

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