Line 1 (Mumbai Metro)

The Blue Line of the Mumbai Metro 1, or the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Line, is part of the metro system for the city of Mumbai, India. The 11.40 km (7.08 mi) line is fully elevated, and consists of 12 stations from Versova to Ghatkopar. The line connects the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai.[1] It was built at an estimated cost of 4,321 crore (US$540 million) and is operated by the Metro One Operation Pvt Ltd (MOOPL) on a 5-year contract.[2] This special purpose vehicle, namely, Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (Mumbai Metro 1) was incorporated for the implementation of the project. Reliance Infrastructure holds 74% of the equity share capital of MMOPL, and remaining 26% is with MMRDA.

Mumbai Metro 1 Blue Line
Overview
StatusOperational
OwnerReliance Infrastructure Limited
MMRDA Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority
Line number1
LocaleMumbai, Maharashtra, India
Termini
Connecting linesYellow Line 2 Aqua Line 3 Red Line 7
Stations12
Websitereliancemumbaimetro.com
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemMumbai Metro
Services1
Operator(s)Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (Mumbai Metro 1)
Depot(s)Four Bungalows
Rolling stockCRRC Puzhen
Daily ridership405,107 (June 2018)
History
Commenced2008
Opened8 June 2014 (8 June 2014)
Completed2014
Technical
Line length10.81 km (6.72 mi)
Track length11.40 km (7.08 mi)
Number of tracks2
CharacterElevated
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Minimum radius100 metres (330 ft)
Electrification25 kV AC at 50 Hz via overhead catenary
Operating speed80 km/h (50 mph)
Route map

Line 1
km
0.000
Versova
Lokhandwala Complex Road
Four Bungalows Depot
0.955
D N Nagar
Andheri West
K L Walwalkar Marg
1.751
Azad Nagar
Swami Vivekananda Road
Harbour line Left arrow to Mumbai CST │ to Goregaon Right arrow
Western line Left arrow to Churchgate │ to Dahanu Road Right arrow
3.111
Andheri
Andheri railway station
Western Express Highway
Gundavali Red Line 7
4.118
Western Express Highway
Mahakali Caves Road
Guru Hargovindji Road
5.382
Chakala (J B Nagar)
6.107
Airport Road
Airport interchange
6.705
Marol Naka
Aqua Line 3
(under construction)
7.78
Saki Naka
8.903
Asalpha
9.765
Jagruti Nagar
Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg
10.821
Ghatkopar
Ghatkopar railway station
Central line Left arrow to Mumbai CST │ to Kalyan Right arrow

The Mumbai Metro 1 Blue Line started operations on 8 June 2014.[3] It has the eighth highest passenger density of any metro line in the world.[4] The Blue Line has the steepest curve of any metro line in India. There are a total of 64 curves on the line, with the steepest curve being 107 meters.[5]

History

Background

The Government of Maharashtra through the MMRDA, in order to improve the traffic and transportation scenario in Mumbai and to cater to the future travel needs in the next 2-3 decades began exploring the viability of various alternative mass transit systems which are efficient, economically viable and environment friendly. In this context, a detailed feasibility study was carried out under Indo-German technical co-operation by entrusting the consultancy work to Tewet in association with DE-Consult GmbH and Tata Consultancy Services, during 1997–2000. The study recommended a mass transit corridor from Andheri to Ghatkopar as potentially bankable and economically viable, after examining a number of alternative corridors and alignments. This study was updated by the MMRDA in May 2004. Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) prepared the master plan for Mumbai Metro, wherein they recommended extending the Andheri-Ghatkopar section to Versova as part of the master plan and identified it as a priority corridor for implementation. The State Government declared the project as a "public vital infrastructure project" and designated the MMRDA as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA).[6] The Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor was chosen as the first line in the master plan to be implemented.

The Mumbai Suburban Railway connects Mumbai from north to south. However, east–west connectivity is poor. The Versova-Ghatkopar route had no suburban rail link and was serviced by either BEST buses, autos or taxis.[7] Line 1 provides east–west rail connectivity between the Eastern and Western suburbs of Mumbai.[8] It facilitates interchange between the Mumbai Suburban Railway and Mumbai Metro at Andheri and Ghatkopar stations. The line significantly reduces the journey time from Versova to Ghatkopar from 90–120 minutes to 21 minutes, and bypasses about 45 traffic signals.[9] It also provides rail connectivity to the MIDC and SEEPZ.[10]

Construction

Contracts for Line 1[11]
PackageAwarded to
Civil Works – ViaductSimplex Infrastructure Ltd
Civil Works – StationsSew Infrastructure Ltd
Civil Works – Special Bridges
Civil Works – Depot EarthworksShyam Narayan & Bros
Rolling stockCSR Puzhen
Signalling systemSiemens
Power Supply Traction & SCADAABB
E&M
Communication systemThales
TrackworkVNC Rail One
Automatic Fare CollectionIndra
EscalatorsSchindler
ElevatorsOTIS
Depot Machinery & PlantAwarded to various suppliers
Depot Civil WorksAhluwalia Contracts (India) Ltd.
Azad Nagar station under construction in Andheri in March 2012.
A metro train arriving at the D.N. Nagar station during the trial run in May 2013.

The concession agreement for the Versova–Andheri–Ghatkopar corridor was signed with Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), a joint venture company owned by Reliance Infrastructure (69%), Veolia Transport (5%) and the MMRDA (26%), in March 2007.[12][13] SSRI Creative Infrastructure (Choksi Group) was the main technical contractor.[14] Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone on 21 June 2006. The work order for the project was issued on 21 January 2008,[15] and work began on 8 February 2008.[14] In September 2011, MMOPL officials claimed that trial runs on the first section of the corridor, the 3 km (1.9 mi) Versova–D.N. NagarAzad Nagar stretch, would start by February 2012, with a view to opening the stretch to commuters by March or April 2012.[16] The deadline for completion of Blue line has been shifted several times. The following months have all, at some point of time, been announced as the deadline for completion of the project - July and September 2010, July 2011, March and November 2012,[17][18] September 2013 (Phase 1: Versova to Airport Road)

and December 2013 (Phase 2: Airport Road to Ghatkopar),[15][19] and 31 March 2014.[20]

The MMOPL blamed the delay in construction on the MMRDA. RInfra officials stated that the MMRDA had to acquire land along the route and provide right of way to the MMOPL by December 2008.[21] As of August 2008, the MMRDA had only freed up 20% of required land. The lack of maps of underground utilities made the task more difficult. As per the contract between the MMOPL and the MMRDA, the MMRDA was supposed to hand over complete right of way to the MMOPL by mid-2008. The MMOPL eventually received nearly 100% of the land required for the project in December 2011, with the exceptions of the minaret of a mosque near Andheri station and a portion of the roof of Maheshwar Temple near Jagruti Nagar station that still needed to be demolished.[21] Both impediments were resolved in October 2012 and the MMRDA finally obtained 100% right of way along the entire alignment of Line 1.[22]

Ajmera Marol Naka station under construction in Andheri in March 2012.

By October 2011, the majority of the corridor's track-support pillars and girders had been laid, and the 12 individual stations were 70% complete, with most of the stations rising above platform level.[23] However, land acquisition and right-of-way issues, along with problems with the construction of a Metro-related viaduct, delayed the line's predicted completion to summer 2012.[23][24] In May 2012, the Indian Bank restructured the Mumbai Metro's 1.08 billion (US$14 million) loan account, citing the project's land use problems.[25]

On 1 May 2013, a successful 2 km (1.2 mi) trial run from Versova to Azad Nagar stations was conducted on Line 1 in the presence of Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan,[26] who stated that the line would open to the public from September 2013.[27][28] However, MMRDA officials told Business Standard in August 2013 that the metro would be delayed further as it had not received approval from the Central Railway Safety Commissioner, and some of the facilities remained incomplete.[29] The first major trial run on Blue Line, began at 6:45pm IST on 3 June 2013 from Versova metro station, and covered the 2 km (1.2 mi) stretch to Airport road metro station by 7:05pm, according to MMRDA additional commissioner S.V.R. Srinivas, who was on board the train. Trial runs had been conducted for the past month, the most notable being the trial run on 1 May 2013, that was officially flagged off by the Chief Minister.[26] However, trials prior to the 3 June trial, were restricted to the 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) between Versova and Azad Nagar stations on JP Road.[30]

Several tests were conducted before the metro opened to the public.[8] According to the information given by the MMRDA to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by activist Anil Galgali, around 5% of the civil works of the line were still pending as of December 2013. The reply to the RTI query stated that Versova, D.N. Nagar, Azad Nagar, Chakala and Airport Road stations were 99% complete as of December 2013. Andheri, Saki Naka, Marol and Western Express Highway stations were in the range of 95-98%. Construction work at Ghatkopar was 90% complete, Asalfa and Jagruti Nagar stations were 80% and 85% complete respectively.[31]

The MMRDA sent a letter to RInfra on 31 December 2013, asking them to change the name of the metro system from Reliance Metro to Mumbai Metro. The MMRDA pointed out that the original concession agreement stated that the project would be named as the Mumbai Metro.[32][33] RInfra issued a press statement on 2 January 2014, blaming the MMRDA for having "failed to provide any guidance on this subject during the bidding stage and/or during the implementation stage".[34] Republican Party of India (Athavale) workers protested the name Reliance Metro on 8 January 2014 by blackening boards with Reliance's logo at Chakala metro station.[35][36][37] On 11 January, Shiv Sena MLA Subhash Desai sent a letter to Chief Minister Chavan opposing the Reliance Metro name, and expressing support for the name Mumbai Metro.[38][39] In February 2014, U.P.S. Madan, metropolitan commissioner of MMRDA, confirmed that RInfra had agreed to rename the project as Mumbai Metro from Reliance Metro.[40] However, even by April 2014, the Reliance Metro logos that had been stuck on trains and stations had not been removed. MMOPL officials stated that they had not yet received any new logo design, and were still awaiting the same.[41] On 30 April 2014 The MMOPL unveiled a new logo, which uses the name "Mumbai Metro" but also includes the MMRDA and Reliance Infrastructure.[42] The new name was also confirmed by Chavan at a press conference at Vidhan Bhawan on 14 June 2014. When asked about RInfra posting its "Reliance Metro" branding at some metro stations, he said, "It is 'Mumbai Metro' and we will ensure that it remains the same in future also".[43][44]

Jagruti Nagar station under construction in Ghatkopar in August 2012.

On 6 February 2014, RInfra announced that construction was complete, and that some of the regulatory approvals were in place.[45] However, the construction of approach roads to stations such as Jagruti Nagar and Asalfa Road had not been completed,[19] although this work was to be undertaken by the MMRDA, and not MMOPL.[19] A comprehensive fire drill was undertaken by the Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, and MMOPL in March 2014.[46] During trials in mid-March 2014, the Mumbai Metro ran trains at a headway of almost 4 minutes.[47]

Oscillation trials were completed in early 2014.[48][49] However, the submission of the report by the RDSO to the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety was delayed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in Maharashtra High Court on the height of Mumbai Suburban Railway station platforms. The RDSO had to divert its resources to inspecting the suburban railway platforms, because passengers were falling into the gap between the platform and the trains.[50] The MMOPL was granted a "speed certificate" from the RDSO on 2 April.[51] MMRDA and MMOPL authorities jointly applied to the CMRS for safety certification on 4 April.[41]

Then CMRS for the western circle P.S. Baghel began physically inspecting the line on 18 April, and completed it on 28 April.[52][53] Following the inspection, Baghel concluded, "Prima facie, I found all the constructions and specifications of the Metro quite satisfactory, but there are a few finishing works remaining which would be taken care of very soon."[53] The CMRS required certain minor improvements to access areas before the metro could begin operations.[54] The CMRS also stated that he would travel to Lucknow to discuss the inspection with RDSO officials and then cross check all the other necessary approvals, including rolling stocks, from the Railway Board.[53] The line received safety clearance from the CMRS on 2 May 2014.[55][56]

The Congress-NCP government had wanted to open the line by 24 April 2014, the voting day in Mumbai for the 2014 general elections.[57] The MMRDA had to obtain approval for the locomotives from the railway board.[57] The MMOPL approached the Railway Board for approval of rolling stock (including the rakes and wheels) on 22 April.[58][59] MMRDA and MMOPL officials stated that the line would open within 7 days of receiving approval from the Railway Board.[60][61] Despite the MMOPL submitting the necessary paperwork on 22 April, the Railway Board did not grant approve until late May 2014. According to railway officials, this was because the rakes and wheels used in the metro were "of a new kind, with newer dimensions".[54] Another reason given for the delay was the change of government at the Centre following the 2014 general elections.[62] The newly appointed Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda gave the final approval on 5 June.[63][64] MMOPL Chief Executive Abhay Mishra announced on 7 June that the metro would open the following day.[65]

A key proposal of the Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme (SATIS) was the integration of the metro rail system with the BEST. The BEST and the BMC jointly worked towards relocating existing bus stops. BEST bus feeder routes were created along the metro corridor. Bus stops have electronic indicators displaying the expected arrival time of the next train, and information about bus schedules is available inside the metro stations. The MMRDA widened footpaths below metro stations. Parking for bikes and motorbikes is available at all stations.[66][67][68][69]

Accidents

Eight accidents occurred during the construction of Line 1. In total, 2 people were killed and 21 injured during the construction of the line. The first accident occurred in May 2008 when 1 person was killed and another injured, when a pile rig collapsed at a construction site in Andheri (West). In 2009, 4 people were injured, when a steel reinforcement cage and temporary scaffolding of a concrete pillar caved in it Andheri (East). In April 2012, a crane at a construction site in Ghatkopar, veered off a truck and crashed on a portion of the nearby Sarvodaya Hospital. No one was injured as the affected portion of the hospital building was empty at the time.[70]

On 5 September 2012, a slab collapsed at the under-construction Subhash Nagar metro station in Andheri, killing one construction worker and injuring 16 people.[71] Following the incident, construction work on the metro was suspended. MMOPL fined the contractor, Hindustan Construction Company, 10 lakh (equivalent to 19 lakh or US$24,000 in 2023).[72] On 11 September 2012, MMOPL appointed Geneva-based SGS Consultants as independent safety consultants for the construction of Line 1. Construction resumed on 25 September 2012, under the supervision of SGS Consultants, after the consultant submitted its preliminary report to the MMOPL.[73] The consultant remained with the project until the completion of Line 1 to help prevent future accidents.[74]

According to SVR Srinivas, then additional metropolitan commissioner at MMRDA, "The accident was basically due to voids in the support. The support weakened due to rain and utilities underneath created voids. So, it was basically due to loosening of the soil due to construction activity and its erosion due to heavy rain that the support weakened. If because of any reason a part of the support settles, stress increases on the staging and causes it to fail leading to a cascading effect".[75]

Opening

The first metro service was flagged off by Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, along with Reliance Infra Chairman Anil Ambani and wife Tina Ambani, on 8 June 2014 at 10:10 am from Versova station. Chavan's appearance at the inauguration came despite the fact that he had threatened to boycott the ceremony the previous day to protest RInfra's decision to raise fares.[76][77][78] The line was scheduled to open to the public at 12:10pm, with the first service departing from Ghatkopar station. This was delayed by 10 minutes and departed at 12:20 pm. The train was further delayed by nearly half an hour, as it had to halt beyond the planned dwell time at certain stations due to a technical glitch.[79][80] This in turn caused some other trains to also be delayed by 20–30 minutes.[79][81]

MMOPL announced a special introductory fare of 10, regardless of distance, for the first 30 days of service.[9] The authority also announced that children under the age of 12 years and/or up to 4 feet tall, and accompanied by their parents, could travel for free on opening weekend.[82][81] On opening day, the line was operated for 11 hours, and carried 2.40 lakh commuters. The second day, which saw the line operated for its entire 18.5-hour schedule, saw 2.97 lakh commuters use the line. Line 1 had transported 1 million passengers by 4:30 pm on 11 June or within 59 operating hours; reaching the milestone quicker than any other Indian metro system.[83] In the first week of operations, 21.56 lakh commuters travelled on the line, at an average of 3.08 lakh daily.[84] Within days of the metro's opening, many commuters switched from using BEST buses and autos. Authorities estimated a 25% reduction in BEST commuters along the route as a result of the metro.[85] Ticket sales on BEST Bus Route Number 340, the most popular bus route between Andheri and Ghatkopar, dropped by 1.5 lakh in the first 3 days of Line 1's opening.[86]

2014-17

In its first year of operation, from June 2014 to June 2015, Line 1 transported over 92 million commuters, and made over 130,000 trips, covering a distance of over 1,400,000 km (869,920 mi). The line carried an average of 263,000 commuters on weekdays. The MMOPL earned a total revenue of 136 crore (US$17 million), and incurred losses of 191 crore (US$24 million). The revenues include 13.1 crore (US$1.6 million) earned through leasing station space to 52 stalls across its 12 stations. The MMOPL stated that it incurred an expenditure of 55 lakh (US$69,000) per day to maintain the system and car depot.[87] On 4 June 2015, metro authorities announced that Line 1 had transported 100 million passengers since operations began.[88][89]

Mumbai Metro One announced that Line 1 had transported more than 150 million passengers since operations began, crossing the milestone on 26 January 2016, India's 67th Republic Day.[90][91] Line 1 transported 200 million passengers within 786 days of operations. It crossed the 250 million mark on 11 February, or within 957 days, the fastest time in which any metro in India has reached the milestone.[92]

Metro rake approaching Andheri station in 2019

Finances

Construction cost

The original estimated cost of constructing Line 1 was 2,356 crore (equivalent to 71 billion or US$890 million in 2023) when the contract was signed in March 2007.[93] However, delays increased the cost by 84% over six years, and the project cost was 4,321 crore (US$540 million).[94][95]

To offset the escalation, RInfra-led MMOPL asked for a 130-150% increase in fares.[96] An MMOPL spokesperson stated, "The principal reason for an increase is the inability of MMRDA to provide 100 per cent unencumbered RoW, which was contractually committed by MMRDA to be handed over to MMOPL on or before September 2007. The increase in fares is necessitated due to an increase in operating costs, owing to a steep increase in all economic indices; inflation, interest rate, foreign exchange, etc. These factors have also increased the estimated project cost." However, the MMRDA denied the request stating that the cost escalation of the project and the fare hike demand were separate issues. An MMRDA official told Business Standard, "There is no question of any fare hike right now, as the issue will be considered after the service is started by MMOPL. The rise in capital expenditure will not impact fares immediately."[97]

MMOPL completed the refinancing of project borrowings, achieving substantial benefits through extension of maturity and reduction of interest costs in June 2015. With this refinancing, the final repayment of 1,650 crore (US$210 million) on the loans has been extended to the year 2037. The interest rate stands reduced from 13% to 11.75% per annum, and the average maturity period of loans has almost doubled to 14 years.[98]

Dispute over initial fare

The state government announced in 2004 that the fare as per 2003-04 levels was fixed as 6 up to 3 km (1.9 mi), 8 for 3–8 km (1.9–5.0 mi) and 10 beyond 8 km (5.0 mi).[99] The originally agreed tariff hike schedule until 2042–43, based on the fare formula of 1.5 times the BEST fare, provided for an 11% hike after every three years.[100] On 6 June 2013, the MMRDA stated that MMOPL had asked for the fares for Line 1 be increased by more than 50%, even though the metro had not yet been opened.[101] On 5 September 2013, the Chief Minister approved a revision of fares to between 9 and 13.[102] The notification allowed for fares to be raised by 11% every four years.[103]

On 11 September 2013, the MMOPL said that the metro would commence operations in December 2013, regardless of whether or not the fare increase was granted.[104] The Union Urban Department Ministry brought the Mumbai Metro under the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act of 1978 on 18 November 2013, thereby granting MMOPL the authority to fix fares. Prior to this notification, Line 1 was under the Indian Tramways Act, 1886, and the Chief Minister had the sole power to decide fare revisions.[102] In a letter to the state government dated 7 February, the Urban Development Ministry stated, "MMOPL can fix the fare afresh after obtaining the recommendation of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC). However, no FFC recommendation is necessary to fix the initial fare." Fare fixation is governed by relevant provisions of the Metro Railways (operations and maintenance) Act, 2002.[105] The Ministry's notification permits initial fare fixation without an FFC recommendation, but makes it mandatory for subsequent fare revisions.[106]

In an interview with DNA published on 9 May, MMRDA Commissioner U.P.S. Madan declared that the August 2013 fares were final stating, "There is already a fare notification in place about metro, which is final. The notification was issued recently with a revision in ticket prices. The fare notification is final and binding."[107] Anil Galgali, an RTI activist and chairman of the Mumbai-based NGO Athak Seva Sangh, wrote a letter to the Chief Minister on 2 May 2014, urging him to use his special powers to prevent the fare hike. Galgali stated, "The Maharashtra state government should use its special powers and stop the new fares from being implemented. The delay in project and increase in cost is not the fault of Mumbai's citizens. It is the responsibility of the Maharashtra state government to act against MMOPL's demands." He further accused the MMOPL of "blackmailing the government and playing with citizens".[108][109] MMOPL announced the minimum and maximum fares on the line as 10 and 40 respectively in early May 2014.[110] However, MMOPL later announced a special introductory fare of 10, regardless of distance, for the first 30 days of service, i.e. from 8 June to 8 July.[9]

On 9 June 2014, the MMRDA filed a case in the Bombay High Court seeking appointment of an arbitrator for the fare.[111][112]

Stations

Metro rake arriving at Saki Naka station

There are 12 stations on Line 1. All stations have three levels that are accessed via stairs, escalators, and elevators. Trains leave from the second floor, which is the Platform level.[8] There is a maximum gap of 85 mm (3.3 in) between the platform and train doors.[113]

There are 100 staircases (minimum 4 in each station), 45 elevators and 95 escalators on the 12 stations of Line 1.[8][113] Platforms have polycarbonate roofs which allow them to be naturally lit.[8] Stations feature murals created by university students. Metro authorities organised the "Majhi Metro" festival and requested art and architecture students to enter a contest, where the winners were awarded the opportunity to design and style a metro station, based on the theme "Mumbai".[114]

On 3 July 2013, MMOPL announced that Wi-Fi services were enabled at all 12 stations on the line. The facility is expected to be available on moving trains by the end of the month. You Broadband is the service provider.[115][116]

There are no parking facilities available on Line 1. The MMRDA stated that this was because there was no space available.[117] The Ghatkopar station is connected with the western side of the Ghatkopar railway station through a 12-metre (39 ft) wide foot-over-bridge.[118][119][120]

Under sponsorship agreements, the MMOPL rebranded the Andheri and WEH stations as the Bank of Baroda Andheri station and the Magicbricks WEH station in August 2016 and February 2017 respectively. The MMRDA stated that MMOPL cannot re-brand station's without its permission. In March 2017, the Union ministry of urban development clarified that MMOPL was permitted to rebrand stations. The revenue earned by MMOPL through the rebranding is not shared with the MMRDA, nor passed on to commuters through lower ticket fares.[121][122]

As part of the Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme (SATIS), the MMRDA moved all bus and taxi stands to a distance of about 40–50 metres away from the stations. The MMRDA believes that the previous location of the stands just next the stations resulted in traffic congestion and restricted the movement of pedestrians. Congestion issues were resolved after the implementation of SATIS at all stations on the line.[123]

Blue Line 1
# Station Name Opened Distance Connections Layout
EnglishMarathi Inter-stationFrom VersovaFrom Ghatkopar
1Versovaवर्सोवाJune 8, 20140 km (0 mi)0 km (0 mi)10.821 km (6.724 mi)NoneElevated
2D.N. Nagarडी.एन. नगरJune 8, 20140.955 km (0.593 mi)0.955 km (0.593 mi)9.866 km (6.130 mi)Yellow Line 2Elevated
3Azad Nagarआझाद नगरJune 8, 20140.796 km (0.495 mi)1.751 km (1.088 mi)9.07 km (5.64 mi)NoneElevated
4AndheriअंधेरीJune 8, 20141.36 km (0.85 mi)3.111 km (1.933 mi)7.71 km (4.79 mi)Western Line, Harbour Line, Indian Railways
(via Andheri railway station)
Elevated
5Western Express Highwayपश्चिम द्रुतगती महामार्गJune 8, 20141.007 km (0.626 mi)4.118 km (2.559 mi)6.703 km (4.165 mi)Red Line 7Elevated
6Chakala (J.B.Nagar)चकालाJune 8, 20141.264 km (0.785 mi)5.382 km (3.344 mi)5.439 km (3.380 mi)NoneElevated
7Airport Roadएअरपोर्ट रोडJune 8, 20140.725 km (0.450 mi)6.107 km (3.795 mi)4.714 km (2.929 mi)NoneElevated
8Marol Nakaमरोळ नाकाJune 8, 20140.598 km (0.372 mi)6.705 km (4.166 mi)4.116 km (2.558 mi)Aqua Line 3 (Under-Construction)Elevated
9Saki Nakaसाकी नाकाJune 8, 20141.075 km (0.668 mi)7.78 km (4.83 mi)3.041 km (1.890 mi)NoneElevated
10Asalphaअसल्फाJune 8, 20141.123 km (0.698 mi)8.903 km (5.532 mi)1.918 km (1.192 mi)NoneElevated
11Jagruti Nagarजागृती नगरJune 8, 20140.862 km (0.536 mi)9.765 km (6.068 mi)1.056 km (0.656 mi)NoneElevated
12GhatkoparघाटकोपरJune 8, 20141.056 km (0.656 mi)10.821 km (6.724 mi)0 km (0 mi)Central Line
(via Ghatkopar railway station)
Elevated

Infrastructure

Rolling stock

A Mumbai Metro train in 2010.

Six international firms - Siemens, Bombardier, Alstom, Rotem-Hyundai, CNR Changchun, and Nippon Sharyo - were shortlisted to provide rolling stock for the line,[124] but CSR Puzhen was ultimately chosen to supply rolling stock.[125] CSR Puzhen was awarded a contract in May 2008 to supply 16 trains of 4 cars each for a total fee of 6 billion (equivalent to 17 billion or US$210 million in 2023). The first rake was shipped from Shanghai on 23 March 2010,[126] and the last rake arrived at Mumbai port by the end of February 2014.[50][127]

Line 1 was allotted 64 coaches.[128] Fourteen trains (of four cars) are in service during rush hour, and seven or eight in non-peak hours.[129] All coaches are air-conditioned and have humidity control, and designed to reduce noise and vibration.[130] Each coach is approximately 2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in) wide[131] and has 48 seats. A coach has a capacity of 375 passengers, and a single four car train has a total capacity of 1500 passengers. The coach body is made of lightweight stainless steel, with fire resistant metal doors. Coaches have metallic silver colour exteriors, and can be covered with vinyl sheets to display advertisements. The interior features anti-skid floors, and longitudinal seats with dedicated space to accommodate wheelchairs.[113] Trains on Line 1 are fitted with the VTS Firetide 7010 video transmission system.[42] Coaches are also fitted with LED displays showing dynamic route map, and LCD TVs for entertainment, information and advertising. Windows in coaches are made of double glazed laminated glass to shut out noise. Each coach has 8 externally hung, sliding bi-parting doors except the pilot cabin which has only 2. Doors are broad to enable wheelchair access. The maximum gap between the station platform and the doors is 85 mm (3.3 in).[113] Trains are outfitted with a number of features for safety and convenience, including 3D route maps, first-aid kits, fire-fighting equipment and intercom systems permitting communication with the train driver.[23] Each coach contains a black box to assist in accident investigations.[23]

Interiors of the Metro coach

The rolling stock is cleaned daily in an automated washing plant utilizing eco-friendly technology. The washing plant lies on the track leading into the depot, and can be used by all trains entering or exiting the depot. The plant pre-wets the coaches and then adds the water-based detergent. The entire train is washed in one pass. At the final stage of the plant, reverse osmosis removes stains on glass and the smell left after washing. According to an MMOPL official, "The only action the Metro pilot will have to take is slow the train down to under 5 km/h (3.1 mph) while in the passage of the plant. Any train that does not need to be washed will pass the automated wash plant without any hindrance by moving at a speed of more than 5 km/h (3.1 mph). A panel displays all data like the number of trains washed, the process a train is going through, the water and the chemical indicator. The trains can be cleaned in less than three minutes with just 600 liters (160 U.S. gal) of water, of which 80% is recyclable." Manual high-pressure washing would require 3 hours and 3,000 litres (790 US gal) of water.[132]

MMOPL initially used a Wheel Flange Lubrication (WFL) system to reduce wear and tear of rolling stock wheels. The agency invested 30 crore (US$3.8 million) to introduce a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip based system to accomplish the task. The MMOPL stated that the RFID system provides even longer lifespan for wheels, and the agency states that it will recover the 30 crore investment within 2 years through savings on maintenance costs.[133][134]

Power

The ABB Group was awarded the contract for supplying power systems to Line 1 on 31 July 2008.[135][136] The line is electrified using 25 kV AC at 50 Hz via overhead catenary.

In early 2017, MMOPL completed the installation of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting at all metro stations, the depot, and administrative buildings to reduce electricity consumption. The MMOPL also began a project under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model to install rooftop solar panels at all stations and the metro depot. Under the model, a private company will bear the cost of setting and operating the panels, and will sell the generated power to the MMOPL at a rate of 5.1 per unit. A total of 2.30 MWp will be generated by the system, of which about 2 MWp is generated by the station's rooftop solar panels and 0.30 MWp is generated by the depot's solar panels. The LED lighting system and solar panels are estimated to reduce Line 1's carbon emissions by 2,430 tons per year.[137]

The MMOPL stated that 30% of the total annual non-traction power requirement of approximately 11 MW would be met using solar power from May 2017. Solar energy powers the operation of station equipment such as lighting, air-conditioning, lifts, escalators and pumps.[138][139]

Signaling and communications

Line 1 features an advanced signaling system, including an automatic train protection system (ATPS) and automated signaling to control train movements.[140] Siemens supplied the signalling and train control systems required for the project,[135] while Thales supplied the communication systems. The network's signaling and train control systems are based on LZB 700M technology.[136]

Bridges

The cable-stayed metro bridge over the Western Express Highway in Andheri.

Line 1 contains a 1284-metre steel bridge, modeled on the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata,[141] crossing the Western Line at Andheri. Construction of the bridge, which is supported by 3 pillars, started in early 2012 and completed on 23 December 2012. The metropolitan administration claims the bridge was built in 288 days which is a record. It cost 350 million (equivalent to 660 million or US$8.3 million in 2023).[142] The bridge, which was initially planned to be made of concrete, was constructed of steel by Braithwaite Burn & Jessop Construction Company (BBJ), Kolkata, who also fabricated the Howrah Bridge. The steel girders were pre-fabricated at BBJ's Heavy Plant Yard in Kolkata. The bridge was then disassembled and transported over the course of a week to the site.[142]

Another notable bridge on Line 1 is the 175-metre-long cable-stayed bridge over the Andheri Flyover on the Western Express Highway. The Andheri flyover is 13 metres above ground level, and the metro line travels 6.5 metres above it. The bridge is 39 metres above the ground at its highest point. Construction on the bridge started in mid-2009 and was completed on 24 August 2012. The bridge was built by MMOPL, with Switzerland-based VSL International Limited as its partners.[143]

Wastewater treatment

On 1 October 2012, Xylem, a water technology provider based in the United States, announced that it had been awarded a contract to develop wastewater treatment and recycling systems for the Mumbai Metro. The value of the contract was undisclosed. The system will incorporate a 1.2-million-litre-capacity sewage treatment plant with wastewater recycling capabilities; trials of the plant were expected to be commissioned by late November 2012. The plant will be equipped with Xylem's Sanitaire wastewater treatment technology, which is expected to help save up to 1.2 million litres of water a day.[144]

Operations

Lines on the Mumbai Metro are currently identified by numbers. In March 2016, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner, U.P.S. Madan, announced that all lines on the system would be colour coded after more lines were opened. Line 1 is generally depicted in blue in most maps, including on maps onboard Line 1 trains, leading to speculation that the line would be renamed the Blue Line when the colour coding is announced.

Operator

Logo of MMOPL, the joint venture that operates Line 1.

The contract for the Versova–Andheri–Ghatkopar corridor was awarded to the Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), a joint venture company owned by Reliance Infrastructure, Veolia Transport and the MMRDA, in March 2007.[12] The MMOPL is a special purpose vehicle incorporated for the implementation of the Line 1 project. Reliance Infrastructure holds 69% of the equity share capital, while MMRDA holds 26% and remaining 5% is held by Veolia Transport.[145] The share by Veolia Transport has been passed on to RATP Dev Transdev Asia. On the contrary, a 5-year contract to operate the line was awarded to Metro One Operation Pvt Ltd (MOOPL), a joint venture between Reliance Infrastructure (30%) and RATP Dev Transdev Asia (70%).[146]

MMOPL is the first public-private partnership initiative for a metro project in India.[147] The MMOPL is the designated Metro Railway Administrator of Line 1, as defined by the Metro Railway (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002. Although the Act requires the administrator to be under the scope of the Right to Information Act, a different mechanism is currently in place. The mechanism permits citizens to file RTI queries concerning Line 1 with the MMRDA, similar to the mechanism used by the privately financed Rapid Metro Gurgaon.[148]

The MMOPL is contracted to operate and maintain the metro for a period of 5 years, i.e. the contract expires on 7 June 2019. The company intends to extend the contract after it expires.[149]

In April 2017, MMOPL announced that it had partnered with Google to provide train timetables and indoor maps of all stations through Google Maps.[150]

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India, Metro operations were suspended indefinitely from March 2020. In August, MMOPL wrote to the MMRDA, stating that it wanted to sell its stake in the company.[151]

Fare collection

The minimum and maximum fares on the line are 10 and 40 respectively, roughly 1.5 times the current unsubsidized BEST bus fare for a given distance.[110] Line 1 utilizes an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFC).[8] Riders can pay their fare using tokens, reloadable smart cards or by through QR code payment. Smart cards can be recharged online.[152]

From 19 June 2014, the MMOPL introduced an off-peak fare of 5 on Line 1. The fare applies between any two stations, regardless of distance, from 5:30am to 8:00am on weekdays.[153] The relevant token must be purchased during off-peak hours and used within half an hour of purchase. Smartcards automatically deduct the lower fare if a commuter uses his card to exit the metro during off-peak hours.[154] Approximately 55% of commuters on the line, pay using smart cards as of June 2015.[155]

From Januar 2017, passengers can also purchase tickets on their phone and enter the gates by means of QR code payment. The service is provided by Paytm and a QR code is generated on the commuter's phone which is read at entry and exit by a scanner at the turnstiles.[156] In January 2020, MMOPL started issuing paper tickets with a QR code printed on it with an aim to completely move from the earlier plastic RFID-based tokens.[157] The same month, it launched an unlimited trip pass that could be purchased as an add-on to an existing trip pass.[158] In November 2022, MMOPL began allowing passengers to purchase tickets through WhatsApp. Passengers can text "Hi" to 967000 8889 to receive a link through which they can complete the ticket purchase, and ultimately receive a QR code that serves as the ticket.[159]

Frequency

Services operate on Line 1 for 18.5 hours everyday (5:30 AM to midnight). Headway on the line is 3 minutes during peak hours and 5 minutes during non-peak hours (11:30am and 4:30pm).[160]

Station dwell time is 30 seconds.[8] Line 1 has a high rate of punctuality with 99.99% of trains arriving on time.[161]

Ridership

A metro train has four coaches and an overall capacity of 1500 passengers (375 per coach).[65][162] The seating capacity of every coach alternates between 48 and 52, of which 4 seats in each coach are reserved for senior citizens and handicapped commuters.[163] From 15 August 2014, following demands by female commuters, 32 of 48 seats in the Versova-end coach of every four coach train is reserved for women. These seats are part of a reserved space for women which is separated from the rest of the coach by a strip separator and can accommodate 150 passengers, including standees. Male children under the age of 12, who are accompanied by female passengers, are permitted in the reserved space.[164][165][166] Prior to the introduction of the reserved space, 6 seats per coach had been reserved for women.[167]

Line 1 transported 200 million passengers within 786 days of operations. It crossed the 250 million mark on 11 February, or within 957 days, the fastest time in which any metro in India has reached the milestone.[92]

The maximum ridership recorded on a single day was 312,215 and minimum was 64,522 till January 2019.[168] In early January 2019, a strike by BEST staffers saw a spike in the ridership of the Metro and the Monorail. Daily ridership crossed 500,000 for four consecutive days with an average increase of 55,000 per day with ridership touching 520,000 on 11 January.[169]

Growth of ridership on the corridor slowed down in 2019 when the BEST undertaking slashed its minimum fares to ₹5 for up to 5 kilometres (3.1 mi).[170]

Speed

The RDSO Chief Engineer Ajay Kumar Verma initially permitted a maximum speed of only 50 km/h (31 mph). "These tracks have been constructed based on European standards but we follow Indian Railway standards. The two have differences on several technical parameters, including the tolerance limit of tracks and even curves," said a railway official.[171] The slower speed added around 7 minutes to the journey time.[171] Another reason why trains on the line operate at slower speeds is because stations are only 800 to 1,000 m (2,600 to 3,300 ft) apart, which prevents trains from picking up speed.[171]

Trains began operating at speeds of 65 km/h (40 mph) from 24 March 2016. The increase is not expected to significantly reduce travel time on the line due to the low inter-station distance. The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) granted approval to operate at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and RDSO gave its clearance on 18 November 2015.[172] The MMRDA plans to further increase the operating speed to that limit after training metro pilots to operate trains at higher speeds.[161]

Security

In a statement on released 13 December 2013, MMOPL announced, "Trained sniffer dogs will patrol each of the stations. There will be security guards in civilian dress who will intermingle with the public to check for any suspicious activity outside and inside the station premises." Security is provided by private security guards deployed by MMOPL and the Maharashtra State Security Corporation.[173]

Other security measures on Line 1 include metal detectors,[113] security cameras, frisking each passenger, and running their luggage through X-ray scanners.[173] All stations are fitted with fire alarm systems and fire safety devices, and trains have fire resistant metal doors.[113] Passengers are prohibited from carrying luggage measuring more than 2 ft x 1.5 ft on the metro.[174]

Stations are actively monitored by security personnel. A senior metro official explained, "The trained unit will keep an eye in the vicinity of Metro stations in plain clothes, posing as common men. The unit will be on the lookout for mischievous activities in Metro stations by miscreants and take necessary action. Depending on the kind and level of trouble and threat posed by such people, action will be taken against them. Senior security personnel will take a call if these persons can be punished or penalised under the Central Metro Act, or should be handed over to the local police for necessary action."[175]

Following an incident on the mostly underground Kolkata Metro Line 1 on 23 June 2014, where a non-AC metro train carrying passengers developed a glitch and got stuck inside a tunnel for an hour and a half, Mumbai Metro officials commented that their system has an emergency evacuation plan in place. An MMOPL spokesperson stated, "The evacuation process will take two minutes if passengers are asked to alight midsection and 7–10 minutes if the train has to be taken to the nearest station."[176]

Retail and advertising

In December 2013, Times Innovative Media OOH acquired the advertising rights on Line 1 for a period of 15 years.[177]

All 12 stations on the line have food and beverage shops, convenience stores, and ATMs. Some stations have mobile accessories stores.[178] Lite Bite Foods Pvt Ltd (LBF) was awarded the food and beverage concessions across all stations on Line 1. LBF supports these outlets from their 6,400 sq ft commissary near the international airport.[179][180]

Stations on the line have special Domino's Pizza outlets that can serve pizzas within 3–5 minutes of ordering, much faster than a typical outlet's 10–15 minutes. The outlets use turbo ovens and pizza warmers to reduce the time for preparation. The outlets also have glass windows through which customers can view their pizza being made. The outlets only serve pizzas of one specific size. The first such Domino's Pizza outlet in India was opened at Chakala station in June 2015. Andheri and Versova were the next to receive such outlets, with plans to expand it to all stations on the line.[181]

See also

References

  1. "Mumbai's first metro may chug in March 2013". DNA India. 6 May 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  2. "Metro's construction cost goes up by Rs 1500 crore, fare may rise". The Times of India. 12 February 2013. Archived from the original on 25 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  3. "Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan flags off Mumbai Metro | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  4. "Mumbai Metro rail: Mumbai Metro breaches 25cr passenger mark in record time | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  5. "Mumbai Metro uses RFID lubrication system to improve wheel maintenance". dna. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  6. "Mmrda – Projects – Mumbai Metro Rail Project". Mmrda mumbai.org. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  7. "Mumbai Metro opens for public, row erupts over ticket prices". India Today. IANS. 8 June 2014.
  8. "Metro dress rehearsal sees 7 trains on tracks". The Times of India. 7 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  9. Sanjai, Makarand Gadgil,P R. (7 June 2014). "Mumbai Metro services to start on Sunday amid tariff dispute". Livemint.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. "Seven years after PM laid its foundation, Mumbai's first Metro corridor is yet to see the light of day". The Indian Express. 4 September 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  11. "Tenders and Contracts". Mumbaimetroone.com. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  12. "No respite for Mumbai Metro as project cost jumps by 70 per cent". The Financial Express. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  13. "Now, MMOPL changes track, says Metro will roll in Dec". The Indian Express. 12 September 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  14. Ashley D'Mello (13 July 2010). "Work on Metro VAG line on track". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  15. Pamela Raghunath (6 February 2014). "More delays in Mumbai metro". Gulf News. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  16. Shaikh, Zeeshan. "3 km of Metro Phase I to be ready by March 2012." Hindustan Times. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  17. "Mumbai's Metro gets a sixth deadline for completion". Gulf News.
  18. Shaikh, Ateeq (6 March 2013). "Metro likely to miss its August deadline". DNA India.
  19. "Approach roads to Metro stations not yet ready: RTI". The Times of India. 7 February 2014. Archived from the original on 8 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  20. Ateeq Shaikh (10 January 2014). "Mumbai Metro enters final leg, safety certs likely in February". DNA. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  21. "Mosque agrees to raze minaret in way of bridge - Indian Express". The Indian Express.
  22. "All clear for Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro - Indian Express". The Indian Express.
  23. "Metro first line hinges on Andheri bridge". The Times of India, 11 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  24. "Work on metro pillar between railway tracks begins at slow pace". Daily News and Analysis, 19 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  25. "Indian Bank rejigs Mumbai Metro loan account". The Financial Express. 18 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  26. "Metro trial run from Versova to Airport Road successful". Hindustan Times. 4 June 2013. Archived from the original on 6 June 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  27. "Mumbai Metro trial run successful". The Times of India. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  28. "Mumbai Metro: trial run with train draped in flowers". NDTV.com. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  29. Jog, Sanjay (15 August 2013). "Mumbai Metro project commissioning further delayed". Business Standard. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  30. "Metro trial run passes 7 km from Versova to Andheri". The Times of India. 4 June 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  31. DNA Correspondent (7 February 2014). "5% of metro work still pending in Mumbai". Daily News & Analysis (DNA). Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  32. "Call it Mumbai Metro, not Reliance Metro: MMRDA to Rinfra". DNA. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  33. "Don't use 'Reliance' word in Mumbai Metro, MMRDA tells Anil Ambani-owned company". daily.bhaskar.com. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  34. "RInfra reluctant to change Metro logo, blames MMRDA". DNA. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  35. "RPI objects to Reliance logo on metro; co says nothing wrong". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 9 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  36. "RPI (A) demands 'Reliance Metro' to be changed to Mumbai Metro". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  37. "RPI activists hit the streets". Mumbai Mirror. 9 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  38. Ateeq Shaikh (12 January 2014). "Now, Shiv Sena wants removal of logo 'Reliance' from Mumbai metro". DNA. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  39. "Shiv Sena demands removal of 'Reliance' from Mumbai metro logo". The Financial Express. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  40. Ateeq Shaikh (10 February 2014). "It's 'Mumbai Metro' and not 'Reliance Metro'". Daily News & Analysis (DNA). Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  41. Ranjeet Jadhav (6 April 2014). "Now, Mumbai Metro hits logo hurdle". Mid-day.com. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  42. Ranjeet Jadhav (1 May 2014). "Name war ends, as 'Mumbai Metro' logo revealed". Mid-day.com. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  43. Metro service will be called 'Mumbai Metro', says Prithviraj Chavan - News18
  44. "Metro service will be called 'Mumbai Metro', says Chavan". Zee News. 14 June 2014.
  45. "Mumbai Metro to become operational before April, says R-Infra". Livemint. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  46. "Mock fire drill conducted on Mumbai Metro". Mid-Day Infomedia. 14 March 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  47. "Metro achieves local train frequency in weekend trials". Mumbai Mirror. 18 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  48. "Trials completed in 'record time', project will soon face final scrutiny". The Indian Express. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  49. "Mumbai Metro moves a step closer to reality with successful trial run". Mid-day.com. 12 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  50. Ateeq Shaikh (5 March 2014). "dna special: Platform-train gap issue may delay Mumbai's first metro". DNA. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  51. "Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd receives RDSO's speed certificate". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 2 April 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  52. "Mumbai's first Metro line clears final safety inspection". Mid-day.com. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  53. "CMRS finishes Metro inspection". The Asian Age. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  54. Shashank Rao (25 May 2014). "VAG metro line to begin in June?". Mid-day.com. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  55. Ateeq Shaikh (3 May 2014). "Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro gets safety clearance, to open later this month". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  56. "Metro I gets CRS certification". Mumbai Mirror. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  57. "Mumbai will have to wait some more for the Metro". Mumbai Mirror. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  58. Manthan K. Mehta (2 May 2014). "Mumbai Metro-I awaits final nod from railway board". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  59. "Versova-Ghatkopar Metro: Top railway official issues conditional safety certificate". The Indian Express. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  60. Sukhada Tatke (4 May 2014). "Mumbai Metro waits for last green signal". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  61. "Mumbai Metro to start within 7 days of Rail Board nod: Reliance Infrastructure". The Economic Times. Press Trust of India. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  62. Anand Mishra (22 April 2014). "Change of power at Centre delays go ahead for Metro". The Asian Age. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  63. Staff Reporter (6 June 2014). "Mumbai Metro ready to take off". The Hindu.
  64. "Mumbai: Metro Corridor Gets Final Safety Clearance From Railway Board". NDTV.com.
  65. Hindustan Times
  66. "BEST, Railways and MMRDA plan seamless connectivity with dedicated bus stops at metro stations". Mid-day.com. 17 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  67. "Information on feeder routes may be displayed on Metros, bus stops". The Times of India. 18 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  68. DNA Correspondent (18 March 2014). "Mumbai metro train timings to be displayed at bus shelters". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  69. "Rs 36 cr plan to fix Metro entries, exits". Mumbai Mirror. 15 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  70. Mumbai Metro bridge slab collapse; 1 killed, 11 injured
  71. Mumbai: Metro bridge pillar collapses, 1 dead, 10 injured- Maharashtra- India-IBNLive
  72. Metro officials appoint Geneva firm for safety at construction site - Hindustan Times
  73. "3 weeks after mishap, Metro elevated corridor work restarts - Indian Express". The Indian Express.
  74. "Swiss firm to help prevent Metro mishaps - Indian Express". The Indian Express.
  75. "One dead, but MMRDA panel blames Mumbai Metro mishap on 'natural reasons' - Indian Express". The Indian Express.
  76. "Mumbai gets its first metro; Prithviraj Chavan flags off operations from Versova". 8 June 2014.
  77. BS Reporter (9 June 2014). "Chavan flags off Metro service". Business Standard.
  78. "Prithviraj Chavan Launches Mumbai Metro". outlookindia.com/.
  79. "Mumbai Metro hit by technical glitch on debut, trains running late | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 8 June 2014.
  80. "Mumbai Metro faces technical glitch on first day". Deccan Chronicle. 7 June 2014.
  81. "Technical snag stops Mumbai Metro, comes as last straw after crowds of weekend revellers overwhelm city's newest ride | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 15 June 2014.
  82. "Mumbai Metro announces free weekend joyride for u-12 children". mid-day. 13 June 2014.
  83. "Million mark for Mumbai Metro on just 4th day | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 11 June 2014.
  84. "Mumbai Metro ferries 20 lakh commuters in first week | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 15 June 2014.
  85. "Mumbai Metro effect: BEST loses 11,000 commuters a day". mid-day. 11 June 2014.
  86. "Metro cuts BEST yield by Rs 1.5 lakh | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 12 June 2014.
  87. Jog, Sanjay (10 June 2015). "Mumbai Metro: Branding on track". Business Standard.
  88. "Mumbai Metro passes 100 million in a year". Railway Gazette International.
  89. "Mumbai metro ridership reaches 100 million". 5 June 2015.
  90. "Mumbai Metro Crosses 150 Million Riders". NDTV.com.
  91. "Mumbai Metro crosses 150 million ridership mark". mid-day. 3 February 2016.
  92. "Mumbai Metro breaches 25cr passenger mark in record time - Times of India". The Times of India. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
  93. "No respite for Mumbai Metro as project cost jumps by 70 per cent". The Financial Express. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  94. Ateeq Shaikh (1 September 2013). "Mumbai Metro ride is going to be an expensive one". DNA. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  95. "Mumbai Metro yet to move, fares move northwards". Hindustan Times. 5 September 2013. Archived from the original on 6 September 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  96. "MMRDA seeks itemised break-up and reasons for Metro cost escalation". The Indian Express. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  97. Jog, Sanjay (18 January 2014). "No immediate fare rise for Mumbai metro, declares MMRDA". Business Standard. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  98. "RInfra's Mumbai Metro refinances ₹1,650-cr debt". @businessline. 11 June 2015.
  99. "CM okays Metro fare with max slab of Rs 13". The Indian Express. 5 September 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  100. "Maharashtra seeks explanation for Metro fare hike demand". The Times of India. 13 September 2013. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  101. "No one's ridden metro yet, but operator wants 50% fare hike". Mumbai Mirror. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  102. Ateeq Shaikh (1 May 2014). "Steep hike in fare likely". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  103. "Mumbai Metro may start soon as Reliance Infrastructure allowed to fix fares". The Economic Times. Press Trust of India. 30 April 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  104. "Metro 1 will be ready by year-end: MMOPL". Mumbai Mirror. 12 September 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  105. Manthan K. Mehta (29 April 2014). "Fare hike likely for Versova-Ghatkopar Metro". The Times of India. TNN. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  106. "Mumbai Metro may start soon as RInfra allowed to fix fares". Moneycontrol.com. 30 April 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  107. DNA Correspondent (9 May 2014). "There's a fare notification on Metro and it's final: UPS Madan". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  108. "Chavan urged to stop Mumbai Metro from hiking fares". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 2 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  109. "Maharashtra CM urged to stop Mumbai Metro from hiking fares". Mid-day.com. 2 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  110. "Metro ride will cost Rs 10 to Rs 40 on VAG corridor". The Times of India. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  111. "High court to take up Mumbai Metro fare dispute on June 13 | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 10 June 2014.
  112. Wadke, Rahul (9 June 2014). "Mumbai Metro fare hike: Court to hear case on Friday". @businessline.
  113. "Making sense of the Mumbai Metro". Mid-day.com. 13 April 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  114. Tatke, Sukhada (9 June 2014). "Murals breathe life into Mumbai Metro stations". The Hindu.
  115. "Metro offers free Wi-Fi connectivity at all stations | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 4 July 2014.
  116. Mukane, Pratik (4 July 2014). "Water leakage in Mumbai metro? Now you can use Wi-Fi at metro stations to tweet it!". DNA India.
  117. Manasi Phadke (3 April 2012). "Authority mulls parking lots at upcoming Metro stations". The Indian Express. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  118. Ateeq Shaikh (31 March 2014). "Ghatkopar railway station to soon to be integrated with metro station". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  119. "Commuters sandwiched between Mumbai Metro and railways". The Free Press Journal. 12 June 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  120. Manthan K Mehta (7 June 2014). "Andheri, Ghatkopar stations ill-prepared for commuter surge". The Times of India.
  121. "Centre okays rebranding of Mumbai Metro stations". The Asian Age. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  122. "Centre allows MMOPL to rebrand Metro stations". The Indian Express. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  123. "Mumbai: MMRDA to make monorail corridor congestion free". mid-day. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  124. Chittaranjan Tembhekar (27 October 2007). "MNCs eye Metro Rail pie". DNA. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  125. "Mumbai Metro One Project updates". mumbai-metro.com. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
  126. "Mumbai's beautiful butterfly emerges". Railway Gazette International, 25 March 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  127. "Mumbai's first Metro line unlikely to meet March 31 deadline". The Times of India. 5 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  128. "Plans to add 44 more coaches to first Metro". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  129. Ateeq Shaikh (1 May 2014). "Mumbai Metro may open to public after mid-May". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  130. Ateeq Shaikh (1 May 2013). "A Mumbai Metro train every three minutes". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  131. Katkurwar, Saurabh (26 February 2012). "CIDCO opts for wider metro coaches". MiD DAY. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
  132. "Green technology to clean Metro in Mumbai | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 28 May 2014.
  133. "Mumbai Metro uses RFID lubrication system to improve wheel maintenance | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". dna. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  134. "Mumbai metro: One redesigns wheels to reduce wear and tear". The Indian Express. 1 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  135. DNA Correspondent (1 August 2008). "ABB gets Metro's first corridor". DNA. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  136. "MMOPL awards contract to ABB, Siemens, SEW". Projects Today. 8 January 2008. Retrieved 15 January 2010.
  137. "Mumbai's first metro to go green - Times of India". The Times of India. 30 March 2017. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  138. "30 per cent of total power usage for Mumbai Metro from solar panels now". The Times of India. 30 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  139. "Andheri, Ghatkopar Metro stations shine with solar panels". Asian Age. 30 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  140. "Mumbai Metro project". MMRDA. 1 January 2008. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  141. "'Howrah Bridge' coming soon to Andheri".
  142. "Metro ride in June '13? Work on crucial bridge completed". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013.
  143. Metro marvel: Cable-stayed bridge complete - Hindustan Times
  144. "Xylem bags Mumbai metro rail contract for wastewater treatment". Business Line. 1 October 2012.
  145. "Mumbai Metro closer to operations, to get speed certificate this week". The Economic Times. Press Trust of India. 23 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  146. "Metro One Operation Pvt. Ltd. (MOOPL)". RATP. Archived from the original on 1 February 2018. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  147. D'Mello, Ashley, 04.37am IST (10 September 2007). "Saki Naka bottleneck for Metro team". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 29 March 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  148. Binoo Nair (26 May 2014). "Reliance's Versova-Andheri Mumbai Metro won't come under RTI". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  149. "RInfra, Veolia to extend partnership beyond Mumbai Metro". dna. 19 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  150. "Mumbai commute: Google Maps mobile app to help you avoid traffic on your way to Metro". Hindustan Times. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  151. Venkatraman, Tanushree (21 August 2020). "Amid losses, RInfra writes to Maharashtra govt for selling Mumbai Metro-1 stakes". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  152. Ateeq Shaikh (2 May 2014). "Metro One plans online smart card recharge". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  153. "Metro gets cheaper in off-peak hours". The Asian Age. 19 June 2014. Archived from the original on 19 June 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  154. Manthan K Mehta (18 June 2014). "Mumbai Metro introduces off-peak-hour rates". The Times of India.
  155. "Mumbai Metro 8th densest network in the world | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 7 June 2015.
  156. "Paytm introduces QR-based metro tickets for Mumbaikars". Business Insider. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  157. "Mumbai: Metro One launches Paper QR ticket from today". Free Press Journal. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  158. Mehta, Manthank (23 January 2020). "Unlimited-ride Metro passes from today". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  159. "Purchase your Mumbai Metro ticket without going to the counter". The Times of India. 24 November 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  160. "Mumbai Metro every 5 minutes during non-peak hours from Monday". Hindustan Times. 21 September 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  161. Mishra, Kamal. "Mumbai Metro runs at a faster speed now - Mumbai Mirror -". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  162. Jog, Sanjay (7 June 2014). "Mumbai Metro to begin operations on Sunday". Business Standard.
  163. "Flag off: Mumbai becomes a Metro today". 8 June 2014.
  164. "Metro coaches to have reserved space for women". Mumbai Mirror.
  165. "From Friday, 1 Metro coach to be reserved for women | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 13 August 2014.
  166. "Metro greets women commuters with 32 reserved seats in last coach | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 22 August 2014.
  167. "Exclusive Metro coach for women - Free Press Journal". freepressjournal.in. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014.
  168. "Mumbai Metro Ridership - RTI Reply". OnlineRTI.
  169. Mehta, Manthan K (15 January 2019). "Mumbai: BEST strike pushes daily Metro ridership over 5 lakh for first time". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  170. Rao, Shashank (30 September 2019). "Mumbai: Metro riders rush to BEST rate again". DNA India. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  171. "Mumbai's 'superfast' metros will only run at 50 km/h for now". Mid-day.com. 9 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  172. Thakkar, Mehul R. (23 March 2016). "Metro to run faster from 24th". The Asian Age.
  173. "Metro rail to have sniffer dog, bomb detection squads". DNA. 14 December 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  174. "Airport station to bear brunt of Metro ban on heavy bags". Mumbai Mirror. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  175. Anand Mishra (16 May 2014). "MMOPL says it has robust security set up for Metro rail". The Asian Age. Archived from the original on 20 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  176. "Mumbai Metro has 'plan' for evacuation | Mumbai News - Times of India". The Times of India. 23 June 2014.
  177. "Times OOH unveils advt, sponsorship options at Mumbai Metro". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 12 February 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  178. "Metro commuters can shop on the move, stations to get retail outlets". 6 June 2014.
  179. "Lite Bite Foods awarded F&B concessions for Mumbai Metro 1". Hospitality Biz India. 19 March 2014. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  180. "Lite Bite Foods awarded food & beverage concessions for Mumbai Metro 1". Food & Beverage News. 14 March 2014. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  181. "Domino's to offer 'Turbo Pizza' on Mumbai Metro". 5 June 2015.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.