RailEnquiry

MUMBAI: The Metro rail project being constructed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) in Navi Mumbai between Belapur and Pendhar got a shot in the arm on Tuesday.Engineers have started installing segments atop the pillars, said a Cidco official. The Rs 2,111-crore project to create a 11-km viaduct for the Metro with 11 stations, with majority falling in Kharghar,was launched in May 2011. Of the 320 pillars the metro has built nearly 42 are ready now with foundations for many more already in place."Our project has delayed by six months. However, we hope to complete the viaducts and stations by March 2014," said Cidco managing director Tanaji Satre. "We expect another six months for rolling stock to come up.We hope to undertake the trial run by December 2014," he added. "Normally it takes minimum four years to build metro but we are planning to finish it in three-and-half months as there are no hurdles on the ground now. The work on seven stations has already begun. The construction of depots will start this month. Developer for rolling stock like trains, signaling and tracks will be in place in another four months," Satre said. According to planners, the Metro will be extended till Khandeshwar near the proposed Navi Mumbai airport from Taloja in the next phase.While the civil work of the project will cost Rs 1011 crore the rolling stock will cost Rs 1100 crore. Once complete the metro with four to six coaches will up to 2250 passengers one-way.