Metro-I will hit the Mumbai tracks in August 2011

For the first time since the metro rail project took off, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has officially announced the commencement date of the 11-km-long Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar (VAG) line. Joint metropolitan commissioner Ashwini Bhide has declared that the line will be thrown open by August 2011.

Explaining that almost all the hurdles in the construction of the corridor have been taken care of, Bhide said that the trials for the mass rapid transit system are likely to begin by March next year.

“The actual operations can be expected to commence sometime in August next year. I am sure there will not be any inordinate delays in the construction now,” said Bhide.

She further claimed that there are no impediments in the construction of the 180-metre-long bridge over Andheri railway station. “Though the construction of this bridge is one of the most complicated aspects of the project, and will take at least another eight months, we have already commenced the construction of two of the three piers of the bridge. All we need now is the permission for the third pier. However, in spite of the small bridge length, there are several complications. We may get only a day’s time to construct the final part,” added Bhide.

Construction of metro stations is also progressing well, claimed the official. She said that apart from the civil work, the rest of the schedule is on-time. “Stations such as Ghatkopar, Asalfa, Western Express Highway and Andheri are more or less on schedule and foundation work has been completed. One of the trains has already arrived and the second set of rolling stock is also on its way from China. We can begin the trails by March. We wish to dedicate the first phase to Mumbai by August next year,” Bhide said.

According to Bhide, 2011 will also see the first phase of monorail become operational. “We are planning to start testing the monorail trains by December. By March next year, the first phase between Chembur and Wadala can commence,” added Bhide.

Confirming that there are some issues in the curve beam construction, Bhide added that after some contemplation, the curve beam construction is also on track.