New metro links Byculla, Crawford, Fort & Gateway in Mumbai Underground

The Rs 160-billion project is anticipated to be completed in approximately five years once construction commences, with insiders suggesting that it may become operational around 2030. The second underground metro system, Metro 11, will now connect Byculla, Fort, and Gateway of India, enhancing connectivity in the bustling parts of south Mumbai.

This adjustment in the route is expected to create synergy between the two underground transit systems, Metro 3 and 11, facilitating north-south travel along the western and eastern seaboards of the city, respectively.

The first phase of Metro 3 is set to be operational in May, with the entire line expected to be functional by September. In contrast, the Rs 160 billion, 16-km Metro 11 is projected to be completed in about five years once the project initiation begins, with speculation that it might be operational by approximately 2030.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL), which is already overseeing the execution of the 33.5-km Metro 3 (Seepz-Bandra-Colaba) corridor, assumed the responsibility of leading the development of the Metro 11 corridor about a year ago.

Following the transfer of the project from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to MMRCL, it was decided that Metro 11 should not only connect Wadala and CSMT along the eastern side of the Harbour line of Central Railway, as originally planned, but should also make a slight westward departure midway and cross under the railway line to better align with the preferences of the residents.

Upon the functional commencement of Metro 11, the current heavy dependence on buses and taxis in the Byculla-CSMT-Ballard-Pier-Colaba stretch is anticipated to significantly decrease. This shift aims to provide a more efficient and cost-effective transportation alternative to the public, especially in congested areas such as Nagpada and Bhendi Bazaar.