Exactly 160 years back Mumbai city witnessed the first railway trip of India. In those days city was known as Bombay and CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) was known as VT (Victoria Terminus). On 16-April-1853 at 3:35pm Mumbai witnessed this mega milestone of 34 km travel by Railway track.
Unfortunately Mumbai is not the first city to witness the advanced Metro Train travel. It is ok that its late, but good news is here. On 1-May Maharashtra day (Labour day), Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Prithviraj Chavan took a ride in Metro to assure readiness of the project.
Metro Rail will officially be open to the public in September-2013 as per MMRDA. “Initially when the metro rail is opened for public use, the frequency will be three and a half minutes, which will be reduced to just three minutes during peak hours, later,” the official said.
In Phase 1, there are 3 lines planned
- Line 1 – Versova to Ghatkopar (11.07 KM)
- Line 2 – Charkop to Mankhurd (39 KM)
- Line 3 – Colaba to SEEPZ (33 KM)
Line one is ready and going through safety tests & stations are being constructed. There will be 12 stations on line 1.
- Versova
- D. N. Nagar
- Azad Nagar
- Andheri
- Western Express Highway
- Chakala
- Airport Road
- Marol Naka
- Saki Naka
- Subhash Nagar
- Asalpha Road
- Ghatkopar
Some facts you must know
- Most of the roads & railway in Mumbai facilitate North South Travel. Mumbai Metro Line 1 will reduce the road traffic jams and decongest East to West Travel, specially at places like Saki Naka Junction, JVLR, IIT Powai,
- There will be ample facilities for the physically challenged like elevators, escalators and passenger announcement systems. Mumbai Metro coaches are Chinese-made and are fire retardant.
- Commuters will be able to buy single or multiple-ride tickets as per their convenience. They can also choose the option to purchase a stored value ticket (also called smart card). For tourists a special tourist ticket will be made available.
- Mumbai Metro can carry around 280 to 300 passengers per coach compared to the Monorail which has a capacity of 145 to 160 passengers per coach.
- Initially Metro will run with 4 coaches but would later operate with 6 coaches.
- Passengers can use plastic RFID based contact less smart cards as there are available for Delhi Metro.
- Metro Line 1 from Versova(Andheri) to Ghatkopar will have 12 stations and trail will operate at average speed of 60-80 kmph.
- The Metro has strong air conditioning and there will be next train every 2-4 minutes during peak hours.
