VAG metro line to begin in June?

The much-awaited mode of public transport in Mumbai the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar (VAG) Metro rail may soon be reality. According to sources, the Railway Board, under the Ministry of Railways, has cleared vital permission required to start the commercial run of the Mumbai Metro rail between Versova and Ghatkopar.

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety has demanded that access area at the metro station of Jagruti Nagar be levelled and the quality of elevators and stairs be improved before starting the VAG route

The Metro rail was stuck because the Indian Railways had not finished inspecting the rolling stock that will be used during commercial operations. Railway officials said that the rakes and wheels used in the metro are of a new kind, with newer dimensions, and required close inspection.

They have been manufactured by a Chinese company, Nanjing SR Puzhen Rail Transport (NPRT). "The Railway Board in Delhi has signed the required approvals now, and will send to the Metro rail authorities here in Mumbai," said a source.

The Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) spokesperson confirmed that they await the approval on the rolling stock from the Railway Board. "We submitted the required papers on April 22, 2014. We will open the line within seven days of approval."

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety has demanded minor changes, such as levelling of access area at the metro station of Jagruti Nagar (towards Ghatkopar), and has asked the authorities to improve the quality of elevators and stairs.

These conditions must be accepted and incorporated before the metro begins operations. Mumbaikars can expect the VAG Metro rail corridor can be expected to begin operations by June 10, if things go according to schedule.

However, the delay carrying out work, which includes the delay in giving Right Of Way (ROW) at certain stretches, has resulted in cost escalation. The project cost of this 11.04-km metro line has touched R4,200 crore now.