In a significant push for Mumbai Metropolitan Region's infrastructure, the long-awaited Metro Line 10 project is finally moving forward. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is poised to initiate the tender process for this crucial link by December 15, as announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik following a high-level project review on Tuesday.
A Challenging Route Through Thane's Terrain
The proposed completely elevated route, connecting Gaimukh in Thane to Shivaji Chowk in Mira-Bhayander, is considered one of the most technically demanding metro projects in the region. With an estimated cost of Rs 8,000 crore, the line's construction faces unique environmental and topographical challenges.
The alignment cuts through forest land and traverses complex ghat gradients. Officials noted that construction will require slicing off certain hill slopes to ensure smooth curves for the tracks and maintaining a minimum vertical clearance of 6.5 meters above the road. Securing a large number of environmental permissions is a critical prerequisite before any physical work can begin, a focus area to prevent mid-project halts.
Key Officials and Municipal Coordination
The review meeting saw participation from key stakeholders including Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Kumar Mudgal, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, and Mira-Bhayander Municipal Commissioner Radha Binod Sharma. The MMRDA has formally requested the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation to initiate the process for obtaining necessary land acquisition permissions, a vital step for the project's progression.
Transforming Connectivity and Easing Traffic
Once completed, Metro Line 10 promises to revolutionize daily travel for thousands of commuters between Thane and Bhayander. It aims to provide a reliable alternative to the perennially congested Ghodbunder Highway, the lone major road connector currently plagued by year-round jams.
Presently, commuters are forced to take lengthy detours via Bhiwandi or Powai, or rely on indirect rail and metro routes through Dadar or the Ghatkopar-Andheri line. Minister Sarnaik emphasized that Metro 10 will integrate into a larger loop, enhancing connectivity not just between the two suburbs but also linking them to south Mumbai and distant Thane suburbs.
According to initial estimates, the construction phase is projected to take approximately three years from the commencement date. The project's advancement marks a critical step in decongesting surface transport and building a more robust public transit network for the ever-expanding metropolitan region.
