Title - Maharashtra govt push for Churchgate-Virar elevated rail corridor project

MUMBAI: There is some more good news for train commuters along the Western Railway line. The ambitious Churchgate-Virar elevated rail corridor project achieved a crucial milestone on Monday.

At a coordination committee meeting between the state government and the railway authorities, the state said it will sign a state support agreement for the project within a fortnight.

Even as the Western Railway intends to implement the Rs 20,000-crore project, it had sought the state's assistance in acquiring land for the project, relief and rehabilitation work, shifting of utilities, maintaining law and order during construction work, development of the concourse area and fixing floor space index for commercial development of stations.

At the meeting, presided by state chief secretary J K Banthia, the state authorities informed railway officials that the urban development department had already initiated a proposal in this regard. The proposal is being examined by the finance department, following which it will be put up before chief minister Prithviraj Chavan for approval, state officials said.

The support agreement and the project would have no direct financial burden on the state government and the finance department is expected to give it a go-ahead.

The WR, which has initiated the process for appointment of a consultant to prepare bid document for the project, is keen to initiate work in 2013. It aims to finish it by 2016.