DMRC may be roped in for Metro-2B, 4

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is likely to be roped in as the implementing agency for the DN Nagar- Mankhurd- Mandala Metro-2B corridor and Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kasarvadavali Metro-4 corridor on turnkey basis.

‘Turnkey’ refers to when fees are paid to the consultant that researches the particular project and delivers it after completion.

Currently, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has already appointed the DMRC as the implementing agency for the Dahisar-DN Nagar Metro-2A also known as Metro-2 corridor. DMRC is also the interim consultant for the Dahisar east-Andheri east Metro-7 corridor.

“The DMRC is already the implementing agency for the Metro-2A corridor and it will be better to handover the entire stretch to the DMRC,” said an MMRDA official.

The DN Nagar-Mankhurd Metro corridor is a part of the Metro 2 (Dahisar-Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd), which was earlier planned underground, but was later turned into an elevated corridor. The line was also divided into three parts, namely Dahisar-DN Nagar, DN Nagar-BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex) and BKC-Mankhurd.

However, the DMRC in a detailed project report (DPR) in November suggested extending the DN Nagar to Mankhurd Metro-2B corridor up to Mandala. This means an extension of 1.3 km approximately, according to the initial plan. The MMRDA after carrying out a study of the DPR had considered the recommendation of extending the corridor up to Mandala.

“Also, when it comes to the Metro-4 corridor it is likely that the state government will consider giving it for implementation to the DMRC. The DMRC has the experience of constructing a wide Metro network in Delhi. However, the suggestion will be first discussed in the executive committee of the MMRDA and later Cabinet nod will be required for the same. Our focus currently is on the Metro-2 and the Dahisar east-Andheri-east Metro-7 corridor and once both these corridors are in the construction phase we will start the process of other corridors,” added the MMRDA official, who did not wish to be named.

The MMRDA also plans to shift its office at the new building soon, and turn the old building into Metro Bhawan. The old building will be used jointly solely for work related to the Metro corridors by the MMRDA, the DMRC and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC).