The Metro rail system in cities contributes to shaping sustainable urban growth

- SVR Srinivas

IAS, Chairman, Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL)

How do you assess the current market scenario of Metro rail network in India? What are the key revivals happening?

The Metro rail signifies sustainable development in developing the urban transport system in the metropolis and its contribution to shaping sustainable growth in urban areas. The Metro rail system in cities contributes to shaping sustainable urban growth.

 MRTS plays an important role in making regional habitats commuting easy, stress-free and pocket friendly. Many states and cities are making huge investments to ensure that the community at large is benefits. Existing transport systems of many cities are already running to their full capacity, hence new rail network system is the need of the hour.

The world is changing gradually so is the next generation. They want better option for connectivity which will be time saving and ensure the conservation of environment. Many people have switched to healthy traveling, and have started using cycles or battery-operated e-vehicles which ensure zero carbon emission. Giving them a reliable and punctual transit system will be the new age travelling.

How is Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) integrating the operation and maintenance of all Metro corridors under one authority?

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) established MMMOCL on 10 June 2019 to carry out the 'Operations and Maintenance' of all the upcoming Metro corridors in the MMR (except Metro Line 3). The idea is to integrate the Operations and Maintenance of all Metro corridors under one authority with objectives of independently carrying out the business of Operation and Maintenance (O&M), and related functions of all Metro lines in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, as well as the Planning, Identification, Development, and Implementation of all Non-Fare Box Revenue measures. It is also involved in the execution of property development and construct, maintain or lease out various facilities about rail transport system. Integration of all Metro lines is crucial for which MMMOCL is planning to integrate the ticketing system which will be synchronized as and when new lines will be coming up, including all Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) Station Level Equipments (SLEs).

Metro rail construction still needs to pick up in Mumbai. What steps are needed, and what is MMMOCL doing to encourage safe operations and maintenance?

Intervention and follow-up with other government departments are needed at the highest level. Regular coordination with local municipal authorities, dynamic planning and close monitoring are also needed to prioritize construction activities. Traffic planning, diversion and management will also help the smooth metro rail construction in Mumbai.

MMRDA is striving to change the travelling experience and has ensured that tenders of multiple projects have been awarded to various contractors in packages to fast-track the construction activity. For ensuring safe operations and maintenance, we truly believe that quality people are an essential part of the organization. We provide rigorous training and hands-on experience to ensure that our staff is prepared for the next level.

What are the challenges of Mumbai in constructing major infrastructure projects like the Metro network?

For developing any big project, there are many difficulties, but if it's in Mumbai then it is a very big deal. Metro is a mass rapid transit system, which has several challenges in it.

Mumbai is a densely populated as well as congested city which never sleeps, people work there almost 24×7. Developing a whole new transport system is like a nightmare, as it requires good planning and coordination which other agencies for managing all day running traffic as well as the public.

The main challenges involved in the metro rail projects at the pre-development stage during the development stage and the operations stage can be categorized as political challenges, construction challenges, market and revenue challenges, financial challenges, legal challenges, operating challenges, congested road corridors and non-availability of Right of Way.

Also, there are several other challenges too, such as land acquisition, resettlement & rehabilitation, geotechnical challenges, financial visibility, and getting clearance from different government agencies, including the environment ministry, etc.

We will overcome these difficulties through better planning and good support from the state government as well as locals.

How do you look at the metro rail systems in Mumbai and suburbs bringing efficiency and speed?  

The Mumbai Metro is a mass rapid transit system serving the city of Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The existing transport infrastructure is already encumbered, and as an alternative to that Metro, a network is being developed. The total 337 km length of the Metro network system is designed and being implemented by MMRDA to reduce traffic congestion in the city. Metro rail will supplement the overcrowded Mumbai Suburban Railway as well as the existing regional transport network. Metro is a type of high-capacity public transport. Commuters love to have best-in-class travel on a pocket-friendly budget. As the commuters get a comfortable, environment-friendly, and safe option, they will no longer use their private vehicles, resulting in zero carbon emissions. These Metro corridors are fully elevated, as there will be no effect on existing road-based transport networks. But travelling by Metro rail is more convenient and hassle-free. 

How are you looking at the development of metro rail networks in the coming years?

Mumbai got its first metro rail in 2014 and, in April this year on Gudi Padwa, the 20 km first phase of Metro Line 7 and 2A were opened to public use between Aarey and Dahanukarwadi, the second phase of these two elevated Metro lines are in the final stage of completion and is expected to be fully open to the public soon. 

The State Government appointed MMRDA as the nodal agency for construction of the Metro network in MMR. The MMMOCL will handle the operations and maintenance of all lines except the city's first underground Metro 3. As all lines get fully operational, the dream of Multi-Modal Integration (MMI) and last mile connectivity will soon become a reality.

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