Plans to extend metro stations to Bhayander may be implemented soon

After facing strong demands from all major political parties as well as commuters to extend the Andheri east - Dahisar east metro line to the adjoining Mira Road-Bhayander line, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has finally taken up the subject seriously.The demand to extend the under-construction metro rail has been there for the last one-and-a-half years now, to ease commuting woes during peak hours.

Praveen Darade, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA told DNA, "Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is preparing a detailed project report to extend the metro right up to Bhayander. The report is expected to be submitted to us in April this year."

As per the preliminary plans prepared jointly by MMRDA and DMRC, the extension (Dahisar-Mira Road-Bhayander Metro) will be around nine kilometre long, with one station per kilometre, making it a total of nine metro stations.

The estimated cost to construct this elevated line has been pegged at around Rs 3,600 crore. However, the figure is likely to balloon if it's implementation is delayed even by a year.

"There is a possibility of this corridor being an independent line or getting connected with Andheri east-Dahisar east corridor. Certain services, as per the need, can be operated right from Bhayander to Andheri East. But the finer details will be clear only when DMRC's report is in," said Darade.

Dahisar east-Andheri east Metro 7 (Rs 6,208 crore) is already 16.5km-long and will merge with 18.5km-long DN Nagar-Charkopar-Dahisar Metro 2A (Rs 6,410 crore) near Dahisar toll naka. With Dahisar-Mira Road-Bhayander line too being in the pipeline, it may become challenging to operate continued services end-to-end, that is from Bhayander to Andheri east.

A call is yet to be taken over it's implementation schedule, as it would not only involve raising funds, but also result in the relocation of some commercial and residential occupants of buildings at Kashi Mira Junction.

Detailing the corridor alignment, Darade said, "The line would run parallel to the Surat-Dahisar Highway (the extended portion of Western Express Highway) as well as the flyover, and would take a left turn at Kashi Mira Junction. Thereafter, it would lead straight to Mira Road-Bhayander, having multiple stations on the road, terminating at Golden Nest Circle at Bhayander.

In the last decade, due to the availability affordable residencies, the population of the Mira Road-Bhayander region has shot up tremendously, and is still showing an increasing trend. The present population of the area is over 12 lakh, and a majority of those residing there commute daily to the main city for work.

"We find it tough to board any train during the rush hours in the morning and evening. We are forced to miss suburban locals or endanger our lives to reach our workplace on time," said Mukhtar Khan, a resident of Mira Road. The overcrowded trains have also resulted in several accidents, both fatal and otherwise.

ROUTE: Dahisar-Mira Road-Bhayander
LENGTH: 9-kms
STATIONS: 9
ESTIMATED COST: Rs 3,600 crore
DEADLINE: Undecided