Japan's JICA Approves Major Loan for Mumbai Metro Line 11 Phase 1
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), acting on behalf of the Japanese government, has formalized a significant agreement with the Indian government to provide an official development assistance (ODA) loan. This loan, amounting to 92.4 billion yen (approximately Rs 5,500 crore), is designated for the initial phase of Mumbai Metro Line 11, which will establish an underground corridor from Wadala to the iconic Gateway of India.
Signing Ceremony and Project Details
The agreement was officially signed in Delhi by Alok Tiwari, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Finance Ministry, and Takeuchi Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India. This funding represents the first tranche of the loan for the ambitious Metro 11 project, which has an estimated total cost of Rs 23,487 crore.
According to a senior official from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRCL), the phase will span 17.5 kilometers and feature 14 underground stations. This infrastructure is poised to create a vital east-south spine, connecting the redeveloping port area with south Mumbai and improving accessibility to the Atal Setu on the city side. The project is scheduled for completion by August 2032.
Upcoming Steps and Extensions
Officials have outlined that invitations for consultancy services are likely to be issued in June, with tenders for initial civil works packages for the underground sections expected by September. Additionally, the Chief Minister had previously announced in the state budget that Metro Line 11 will be extended to Bandra terminus.
This proposed 6.9-kilometer extension will include five stations: Chunabhatti, Sion, Central Dharavi, Bandra West, and Bandra terminus. It is anticipated to significantly enhance cross-city connectivity while offering multiple interchanges with existing and upcoming Metro lines, further integrating Mumbai's public transport network.
