MMRCL Denies Metro 11 Construction Start; DPR Finalisation Pending

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) has denied media reports suggesting that work has begun on the 16-km Metro 11 (Green Line) project. MMRCL clarified that it would take some time before construction on the new line can commence.

MMRCL Managing Director Ashwini Bhide explained that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Metro 11 is still in the process of being finalised. Bhide emphasized that the project cannot start until the DPR is completed and approved, questioning how work could begin without these crucial steps being taken.

Bhide further clarified that work on the project can only begin once the DPR has been approved by both the Government of Maharashtra and the Government of India, and once the necessary funding arrangements have been made, dismissing the media reports as inaccurate.

When asked about a tender issued for geotechnical soil investigation along the route from Anik Bus Depot to SPM Chowk, which includes 15 underground stations, Bhide responded that the tender was solely for the preparation of the DPR and was not indicative of the commencement of construction.

According to reports, the geotechnical study is intended to collect vital data on the sub-soil conditions at the site. This information will help contractors develop a detailed design for the structures and select appropriate machinery, methods, and technologies for construction. The study will also play a role in minimizing potential damage to existing structures during the construction process.

The tender's terms specify that boreholes with a diameter of 150 mm will be drilled at intervals of 500 meters along the twin tunnel alignment, with three additional boreholes at each station site. The depth of these boreholes will range from 10 meters to over 20 meters, as outlined in the consultant's basic plan.