MSRDC started Feasibility Study for 136-km Virar-Alibaug Metro Rail Project in Mumbai

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a groundbreaking move, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has initiated a feasibility study for the Virar to Alibaug metro rail, marking its foray into metro infrastructure. Spanning an impressive 136km, this metro line is set to become the longest in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Typically associated with road and bridge construction, MSRDC's venture into metro rail underscores the magnitude of the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor project.

Part of the ₹55,000 crore Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, this 14-lane expressway aims to achieve a speed of 120 kmph and is slated for completion by 2030. The metro rail project will unfold in two phases: Phase 1 entails a 98.5-km highway between Navghar and Balavali, followed by Phase 2 covering a 129.9-km stretch between Balavali and Alibaug. The nomenclature 'multimodal corridor' aptly reflects its integration of diverse transportation modes—roads, rail, and metro—to craft an efficient and interconnected transport network.

Sources suggest that the metro line, connecting Virar's Navghar to Alibaug, is projected to encompass approximately 40 stations, strategically linking crucial suburbs within the MMR. A comprehensive project report is on the horizon, scheduled for completion within 6-8 months, once the initial feasibility study concludes. The metro line is poised to seamlessly connect the envisaged Navi Mumbai airport and JNPA, contributing to enhanced regional accessibility.

The MSRDC is in the process of appointing a consultant for this significant undertaking. Despite being part of the multimodal corridor, the authorities remain open to adjusting costs, routes, and other particulars based on the findings of the ongoing study. Initially planned to commence from Kharbao in Bhiwandi to Alibag, the metro line's potential impact on long-distance routes is a subject of debate.

Transport expert AV Shenoy opines, "It’s better to have a suburban rail line on long-distance routes. An elevated metro line will also be at least three times costlier than a suburban line, which is again a waste of public money." Shenoy advocates for a suburban line that not only connects with existing rail systems at Virar and Pen but also accommodates freight trains.

Despite the extensive planning, the location of the car depot for this metro line, crucial for strengthening connectivity in areas like Vasai-Virar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Uran, Pen, and Alibag, is yet to be finalized. The MSRDC's feasibility study coincides with the state government's contemplation of transferring the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor and metro line construction responsibilities to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), renowned for metro rail line implementations.

While the MMRDA envisions a comprehensive web of 337 km of metro rail lines across MMR, the Virar-Alibaug route remains a notable addition, poised to redefine regional connectivity.

The initiation of the Virar to Alibaug metro rail project marks a transformative moment in Maharashtra's infrastructure landscape. As the MSRDC delves into uncharted territory, the multimodal corridor and metro rail integration promise a future where seamless connectivity fuels regional progress. With the prospect of elevated connectivity, the MMR is on the cusp of a transportation revolution, setting the stage for a dynamic and interconnected future.