Mumbai: The construction of Metro Line 14, connecting Mumbai and Badlapur, is likely to begin within a year as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) accelerates preparations for the project. The 38 km metro route, stretching from Kanjurmarg to Badlapur, is a crucial development that will remarkably reduce travel time between the two locations.
To facilitate the process, MMRDA has decided to appoint a consultant responsible for preparing an environmental impact report and obtaining the necessary approvals from the forest and environment departments. A tender for this appointment was issued on Wednesday, marking a key step in moving the project forward, according to a Loksatta report. Once the consultant is onboard, MMRDA plans to complete all formalities and begin construction within the next twelve months.
Major Relief For Badlapur Residents
For Badlapur residents, this metro line has been a long-awaited necessity. With Mumbai’s growing metro network of 337 km across multiple corridors, Metro Line 14 is expected to bring major relief by drastically cutting down the 1.5 to 2-hour travel time to just a few minutes. Until now, the wait for metro connectivity had been uncertain, but with MMRDA taking concrete steps, the project is finally gaining momentum.
The detailed project report (DPR) for Metro Line 14 has already been prepared by Milan Metro, a consulting firm and has received approval from IIT Bombay. The next step involves submitting the report to the state government for final clearance. Once the government gives the green light, MMRDA will initiate the bidding process for construction, ensuring work begins as per schedule.
Environmental Clearances Among Key Permissions Required
However, since the metro line passes through sensitive ecological zones such as Thane Creek, Parsik Hill and the Flamingo Sanctuary, obtaining environmental clearances is a crucial prerequisite. To fast-track this, MMRDA has already initiated the process of appointing a consultant, who will oversee the preparation of an environmental impact report and secure the necessary permissions. The appointment is expected to be completed within the next few months, ensuring that construction can commence without delays.
Details On Metro 14 Project
The project is set to include an underground metro stretch from Kanjurmarg to Ghansoli, followed by an elevated section from Ghansoli to Badlapur. With an estimated cost of Rs 18,000 crore, Metro Line 14 is one of the more ambitious projects under MMRDA’s metro expansion plan. The route will cover 39 km and have 15 stations, passing through some of the region’s most densely populated areas.
With the latest developments, all necessary approvals and procedural requirements are expected to be completed within a year, paving the way for the much-anticipated start of construction. Once operational, Metro Line 14 will be a game-changer for commuters, providing a seamless and rapid transit option between Mumbai and Badlapur.
