Cash-strapped MMRDA not likely to fund MUTP III

“Instead,we can fund another Metro line and carry out other infrastructure development work. Though there are MoUs in place under which the state government (MMRDA) is to partly fund the MUTP work,we have our own priorities,” said a senior MMRDA official. Apart from Metro and Monorail,the MMRDA has planned the third Metro corridor and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link,both estimated to cost around Rs 18,000-20,000 crore.

The only option for the state government’s contribution to MUTP III will,therefore,be the commercial exploitation of a prime plot in Bandra. If this happens,the cost of the project for both the MMRDA and the Railways could be reduced to a large extent.

Though the project is still in its conceptual stage and the Railway Board has not yet given its approval,Phase III focuses on building massive rail infrastructure for the extended suburbs of Mumbai. The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has proposed an additional pair of lines between Vasai-Diva-Panvel — as per the suggestion of the then chief minister Ashok Chavan — to create growth centres in the region.

The MRVC also proposed a fifth and sixth line between Borivali and Virar and third and fourth line between Virar and Dahanu,along with a fast track corridor on the harbour line from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to Panvel. The last important project is extending the harbour line further down to Borivali. These parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are experiencing exponential growth. The state government has given its in-principle nod and has sent the proposal to the Ministry of Railways.

Interestingly,MMRDA officials are also unhappy with the fact that despite funding Phase I and II of MUTP,the MRVC did not “officially” inform them about the Phase III plan.

“The MMRDA could say this,but there are MoUs in place. If the MMRDA doesn’t fund,the state government has to look for alternatives,” said an MRVC official.