The Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s (MMR) public transport network needs a massive Rs 2.1 lakh crore upgrade if it is to meet the requirements of the sprawling 4,350 sq km region by 2031.This is the conclusion drawn by a consultancy firm that presented the results of a study to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The MMRDA has placed the study before the state government for action.Astonishingly, the study indicates that although 78% of journeys made in the MMR from 1991-2005 were by suburban trains and buses, the number of daily rail trips increased by only 35% over this period and bus trips went up by a paltry 9%. Meanwhile, the number of registered autos went up by 420%, bikes by 308%, cars by 137% and taxis by 128%.All other modes of transport account for one-fifth of travel by train or bus, leading to huge congestion on roads due to private vehicles. “Unaffordable housing in the city forces residents to move further away in surrounding municipalities, where they often remain captive to rail,’’ the study by Lea Associates says. The result is that the average rail commuter travels 23.8 km, much more than other commuters.The consultants have suggested an expansion in three phases—by 2016, 2021 and 2031. It is recommended to increase the Metro Rail corridor from the present proposed 148 km in Mumbai to 435 km across the MMR,which includes Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Pen-Raigad.
Metro Rail : Build 148 km more, 435.5 km by 2031. New lines: Dahisar-Mira Rd-Manikpur-Virar, Thane Ring Metro, Vashi-Belapur-New Airport Rd-Panvel, Horniman Circle-Uran-Dronagiri & Sewri-Kharkopar.
Suburban Trains: Add 247.5 km of track .Build and augment services on Diva-Vasai Rd, Panvel-Karjat, Panvel-Uran and Thane-Bhiwandi lines.
Highway Corridors :1,739 km of roads needed by 2031, 538.6 km in a few years . 21 new projects on major stretches.
Exclusive Bus Lanes :Up to 165 km by 2016.Andheri-Dahisar-Thane, Dahisar-Virar, Airport-Kanjurmarg-Ambarnath and Thane-Panvel lanes by 2016 .
Metro Rail : Build 148 km more, 435.5 km by 2031. New lines: Dahisar-Mira Rd-Manikpur-Virar, Thane Ring Metro, Vashi-Belapur-New Airport Rd-Panvel, Horniman Circle-Uran-Dronagiri & Sewri-Kharkopar.
Suburban Trains: Add 247.5 km of track .Build and augment services on Diva-Vasai Rd, Panvel-Karjat, Panvel-Uran and Thane-Bhiwandi lines.
Highway Corridors :1,739 km of roads needed by 2031, 538.6 km in a few years . 21 new projects on major stretches.
Exclusive Bus Lanes :Up to 165 km by 2016.Andheri-Dahisar-Thane, Dahisar-Virar, Airport-Kanjurmarg-Ambarnath and Thane-Panvel lanes by 2016 .
1 comment:
The MMRDA must be dissolved and the Tatas must take over. HEre they only make money for themselves. They will head to their villages in Ratnagiri, Pune etc. but the natives will suffer. Look at Gorai and Manori natives. They are fighting the SEZ and the MMRDA has made that area into a tourist zone without the consent of the locals. Can a native of Bombay dictate terms to someone from Pune, or Ratnagiri???
The MMRDA must and will be defunct.
Post a Comment