Mumbai Metro Line 11 Extension to Bandra Terminus Unveiled in State Budget
In a significant move to bolster Mumbai's public transport infrastructure, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Friday that the proposed Metro Line 11 will be extended to Bandra Terminus. The announcement was made during the state budget presentation, highlighting the government's commitment to improving urban mobility across the city.
Enhanced Connectivity via Dharavi and Bandra Station
The extension will route through Dharavi and Bandra station, strategically designed to strengthen both east-west and north-south connectivity. This development is expected to address long-standing traffic congestion issues and provide a more efficient travel option for millions of commuters.
Details of the 6.9 Km Extension with Five New Stations
Officials have revealed that the proposed extension will span approximately 6.9 kilometers beyond the original alignment. It will include five new stations: Chunabhatti, Sion, Central Dharavi, Bandra West, and Bandra Terminus. These stations are poised to expand the metro network's reach across key residential and commercial hubs in Mumbai.
Integration with Existing Metro Lines
At Dharavi: The new line will connect with the underground station of Metro Line 3, creating a crucial interchange. This link will integrate passengers with the city's north-south metro spine, which connects Colaba, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and SEEPZ.
At Bandra West: Commuters will be able to interchange with Metro Line 2B, significantly improving connectivity between Mumbai's western suburbs and the eastern corridor. This integration is expected to streamline travel across different parts of the city.
Project Scope and Cost
Metro Line 11 is planned as a fully underground corridor from Wadala to Gateway, with an estimated cost of about Rs 23,487 crore. The corridor is designed to integrate with Line 4 at Wadala, facilitating easier access for commuters from the eastern suburbs and Thane to south Mumbai.
Benefits for Commuters and City Mobility
The extension aims to strengthen cross-city mobility and improve access to major areas such as Dharavi and Bandra. Additionally, the link to Bandra Terminus is anticipated to enhance connectivity with long-distance rail services, potentially reducing travel time for commuters heading towards south Mumbai.
Broader Metro Expansion Across Maharashtra
In his budget speech, Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized that metro expansion across Maharashtra's major cities is progressing rapidly. Currently, nearly 490 kilometers of metro lines in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur have been undertaken, with 173 kilometers already operational. Another 50 kilometers of metro corridors are expected to open in the coming year, and an additional 165 kilometers are targeted for completion by 2029.
This announcement underscores the state government's focused efforts on developing robust public transportation systems to support urban growth and improve the quality of life for residents.
