The project was well initiated in 2010, but was delayed owing to many legal and technical hurdles,” a senior official said.

City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Anil Diggikar thanked his predecessor Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, now the MMRDA chief, for his persistent efforts in executing this remarkable turnaround of the project by appointing MahaMetro for engineering assistance to the project, thus expediting it.

“We also thank Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for making provisions for Navi Mumbai Metro by allocating dedicated land to monetise the project by solving financial crunch for operating Navi Mumbai Metro,” Diggikar said.

In October 2021, CIDCO had received CMRS certificate to operate Navi Mumbai Metro for a small 5.4-km stretch from Pendhar to Central Park of five stations. But, CIDCO has completed the construction of all 11 stations of Line 1 and received CMRS certificate for Central Park to Belapur stations, the entire 11.10-km stretch.

CIDCO officials said they have made all the arrangements for a successful operation. MahaMetro has been appointed as the operator, rates have been decided and the staff has been recruited, an official said.

Originally, the Navi Mumbai Metro was divided into four phases. However, in May 2023, CIDCO decided to scale down Lines 2 and 3 by modifying them as Metro Neo in place of standard gauge Metro Rail. ‘Metro Neo’, a trolley bus system with overhead electric traction and rubber tyres, has the capability of being upgraded to a light Metro system.

A CIDCO note explained, “Metro Neo is a rubber-tyre bi-articulated electric trolley-bus powered by an overhead traction system. Metro Neo is an innovative transport system, designated for cities having a population of up to 20 lakh. It is a seamless, fast, reliable and cost-effective Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS). It will provide travel experience of international standards at par with Metro systems,” a CIDCO official said.

“It is an articulated/bi-articulated trolley-bus system with overhead electric traction. The buses will be air-conditioned, with automatic door closing system, level boarding, comfortable seats, and passenger announcement and information system with electronic display. Metro Neo coaches are smaller and lighter than conventional Metro trains. It is a state-of-art, comfortable, energy efficient, minimal noise pollution and environment friendly system,” it explained.

“It is an innovative and pioneering project in India and will be the first MRTS to run on rubber tyres. Navi Mumbai Metro project is also being developed as a part of Metro Neo MRTS,” it added.