mumbai

Updated: Jun 04, 2016 11:35 IST

MUMBAI: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday approved the Wadala-GhatkoparThane-Kasarvadavali (WGTK) Metro 4 project, clearing the way for the 32-km line that aims to boost connectivity between Mumbai and Thane areas, which are not connected well with rail transport.

In addition, a Fadnavis-led committee of t he Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) increased the project cost by Rs6,800 crore for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). Now, the revised cost stands at Rs17,800 crore.

“Now, we will seek the state government’s (Cabinet) approval for the project in the next 15 days. Subsequently, we will float tenders for the execution of the Metro line,” said Pravin Darade, MMRDA additional commissioner.

The MMRDA expects that the 14,549-crore Metro line will be ready by 2021.

The Metro line will start from Wadala and continue on Eastern Express Highway (EEH), connecting areas like Garodia Nagar and Pant Nagar before reaching Central Railway line up to LBS Marg. After the Metro line crosses Mumbai City limits, it will pass along the Ghodbunder road up to Kasarvadavali.

Three years ago, MMRDA had plans to build an elevated Metro line along EEH. Questions were, however, raised over ridership. So, it decided to realign the corridor by shifting it to the LBS Marg.

On MTHL, Darade attributed delays and expansion of the project to the hike in costs. Fadnavis also accorded his approval to form a project implementation unit comprising 57 officials from various departments of the government for timely implementation of the project. The MMRDA already has invited tenders for execution of MTHL.

Meanwhile, t he Mumbai Metro has extended its cross-promotion and loyalty programme to about 200 stores across the city to celebrate its second anniversary. The programme allows Metro smart card owner to avail discounts at these outlets.