Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 5: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday directed officials to expedite Metro projects across the state, saying all new Metro corridors should be completed within three years of the commencement of construction.

The direction was issued during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure chaired by the Chief Minister.

Fadnavis said Metro projects in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are progressing rapidly, strengthening safe, modern and high-speed public transport. He said the state is developing an extensive Metro network to make urban transport more efficient, faster and environment-friendly.

According to a presentation made at the meeting, 174 km of Metro lines are currently operational, while construction is underway on 291 km. Another 130 km is awaiting approvals and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for an additional 87.15 km.

Metro projects worth Rs 2.81 lakh crore are under execution across Maharashtra. Of the total investment, the Centre will contribute Rs 27,216 crore, while the state government's share is Rs 50,250 crore. Another Rs 75,729.62 crore will be funded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), local bodies and planning authorities, with the remaining amount to be raised through government-backed loans.

The Chief Minister said the state's proposed and operational Metro network will cover 683.53 km, including 428.89 km in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, 169.45 km in the Pune Metropolitan Region and 85.20 km in the Nagpur Metropolitan Region.

As per the execution roadmap, 87 km of Metro lines with 56 stations are expected to be completed this year, while 302 km comprising 161 stations are targeted for completion by 2029-30.

The committee also reviewed preparations for Metro Line 10 connecting Mira Gaon and Gaimukh in the MMR. The 9.68-km elevated corridor with five stations is estimated to cost Rs 8,500 crore. With statutory approvals in the final stages, Fadnavis directed officials to ensure the project is completed within three years.

The state government is also planning several new Metro corridors, including Mumbai Metro Lines 8, 10, 11, 12A, 13 and 14, the Metro 3 extension to Navy Nagar, Navi Mumbai Metro Lines 1A and 2, Pune Metro Phase 3, and the Nagpur Metro Phase 2 extension.

Meanwhile, the MMRDA's Metro network crossed the milestone of 30 crore passenger journeys. Congratulating MMRDA and Maha Mumbai Metro, Fadnavis thanked commuters for their continued trust in the Metro system.

In a post on X, MMRDA said the achievement reflects Mumbaikars' confidence in a faster, safer, reliable and sustainable public transport network, adding that efforts to further strengthen Metro connectivity across the region would continue.