The Maharashtra government has approved a revised plan for Mumbai Metro Line 10, connecting Gaimukh to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Mira Road, along with the widening of Ghodbunder Road. The combined project has been cleared at an estimated cost of ₹8,535.49 crore.
According to the state government's Urban Development Department, the proposed Metro Line 10 will stretch 9.676 km and comprise five elevated stations. The Metro component is estimated to cost ₹7,813.35 crore.
As part of the integrated infrastructure plan, a 5.4-km section of Ghodbunder Road up to Fountain Hotel will be widened to 60 metres. The road-widening component has been allocated ₹715.96 crore.
The project will be implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The state has also approved external borrowing of up to ₹6,255.62 crore from bilateral, multilateral and other financial institutions at concessional interest rates.
The government will provide ₹1,004.23 crore as interest-free subordinate debt towards land costs, state taxes and 50 per cent of Central government taxes. A further ₹109.21 crore will be provided for taxes related to the Ghodbunder Road widening work, while MMRDA will contribute ₹559.67 crore towards the Metro project.
The revised Metro alignment has also undergone a significant change. An earlier 0.68-km underground section has now been proposed as an entirely elevated stretch. Authorities say the change is intended to reduce tree cutting and shorten the construction period.
The Metro corridor will pass through the Thane-Ghodbunder area and will require clearances from several authorities, including the Forest, Environment, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and Wildlife departments.
The project is expected to strengthen public transport connectivity between Thane, Gaimukh and Mira Road while the accompanying road-widening work is aimed at easing congestion along the heavily travelled Ghodbunder corridor.
The approval comes amid continuing concerns over the impact of Ghodbunder Road widening on local residents, service roads and traffic movement. Earlier, residents and local representatives had raised objections to the proposed changes, arguing that the removal or merging of service lanes could affect access to residential and commercial areas.
Also Read: Mumbai Auto and Taxi Fares to Increase From September 1