The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) decided that the Monorail corridor shall be linked to the Colaba-Seepz underground Metro 3 line to improve the rail connectivity to areas of Mahalaxmi-Parel-Wadala.
Mahalaxmi Metro station is currently under construction and will be linked to the Chembur-Jacob Circle monorail corridor that is going to be extended by approximately 500 metres. The decision is expected to improve the Monorail operations by making them more viable along with providing seamless connectivity to the commuters. MMRDA officials told the media that the discussions on moving forward with the extension and the project cost are in progress. After it is decided the MMRDA will float bids for the construction of the mentioned additional track route along with a station to be named the Mahalaxmi Monorail station. Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, SVR Srinivas said that they are planning on extending the Monorail route by approximately 450 to 500 metres and linking it to the Mahalaxmi Metro station. It will result in making the Monorail more viable as it is in loss now, and will provide an option to commuters travelling from south Mumbai up to Chembur easily via the Mahalaxmi Metro station, from which they can take a Monorail and directly reach Chembur. The current Monorail waiting period is very high of about 25 minutes or more, having just three trains. But orders have already been placed for more rakes. These rakes will come in phases in two years. Also, they plan to begin the construction of the Monorail extension between Jacob Circle and Mahalaxmi Metro station. Image Source
