Second phase of Mumbai monorail to start next week

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has written to the Chief Minister expressing their readiness to inaugurate the second phase of Mumbai Monorail between Wadala and Jacob Circle as early as February 27, 2019.

Following the inauguration, the monorail service will be operational from Wadala to Jacob Circle, Mahalaxmi. The second phase will be open nearly 10 years after the construction of the monorail in 2008. Since 2014, only the first phase between Chembur and Wadala is operational. The MMRDA anticipates 1,00,000 riders from the current 15,000 passengers using it daily due to the increased expanse of the new corridor.

RA Rajeev, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA told DNA, "We are ready to start the operations of Monorail's second phase from Wednesday.We have written to the Chief Minister informing him about the inauguration." He added, "The pending no objection certificate from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) for Dadar Monorail station was also received on Friday. We are ready to make the Monorail operational with around six trains."

According to MMRDA officials, Fadnavis is yet to confirm his presence for the inauguration considering that the state's budget is also going to be tabled on Wednesday. An official from Chief Minister Office, said, "CM's presence for the same is not finalised as yet, but there are chances that he might attend the inaugural." A text message sent to Fadnavis didn't yield any response.

The frequency of Monorail is expected to be around one train every 20 minutes, and operational hours will be from 6am to 10pm, and around 132 trips being in service daily.

The current fare slab for the first phase between Chembur and Wadala is between Rs 5 to 11 that will increase to Rs 10 to 20, and the fare slab for the whole corridor will be Rs 10, 20, 30 and Rs 40.