CIDCO to implement MetroNeo system in Navi Mumbai Metro Lines 2, 3 & 4

Navi Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): The Board of Directors (BOD) of City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) has approved the implementation of Navi Mumbai Metro Line 2, 3, and 4 using a modified mode of transport called MetroNeo 2.0 instead of the standard gauge Metro.

The board has appointed Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) as a consultant to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for MetroNeo 2.0 on the identified routes for these lines. The cost of this consultancy is Rs 95 lakhs exluding GST. So far, UMTC has submitted the travel demand model, alignment, and station locations. The draft DPR is expected to be received by end of April, 2023.

Line 2 of Navi Mumbai Metro will connect MIDC Taloja to Khandeshwar (7.12 km) with 6 elevated stations. Line 3 will conenct Pendhar to MIDC Taloja (3.87 km) with 3 elevated stations while Line 4 will connect Navi Mumbai International Airport to Panvel (4.17 km).

MetroNeo 2.0 is a rubber tire bi-articulated electric trolley-bus that is powered by an overhead traction system. This system requires a dedicated right-of-way and can be either elevated or at grade.

"Metro Neo is an innovative transport system, designated for cities having a population of up to 20 lakh. It is seamless, fast, reliable and cost effective Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS). It will provide travel experience of international standards at par with Metro systems," said CIDCO statement.

MetroNeo is a low-cost mobility solution with reduced system requirements and the same experience, and ease of travel in terms of comfort, convenience, affordability, safety, punctuality, reliability and environment-friendliness as that of the conventional metro rail system.

"It is an articulated / bi-articulated trolley bus system with overhead electric traction. The buses will be air conditioned with automatic door closing system, level boarding, comfortable seats, passenger announcement and information system with electronic display," said CIDCO officials.

The Metro Neo system will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore.

For more details, please explore the Navi Mumbai Metro page of Metro Rail Today.