Bhayandar-Virar Metro Project Approved; Pune Ring Road East Extension Gets Green Light
Mantralaya Times
In a major relief to commuters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the State Government has approved the Metro 13 project between Mira Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar, as well as the eastern extension of the Pune Ring Road aimed at easing traffic congestion in Pune city. Mumbai: In a bid to boost transportation in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee—chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday—approved the Metro 13 project running from Mira Bhayandar to Vasai-Virar, estimated at a cost of approximately ₹17,000 crore. During the same meeting, approval was also granted for the Sortapwadi to Varve-Shivare section of the Pune Ring Road, a project crucial for alleviating traffic jams in Pune city.The Cabinet Infrastructure Committee meeting, chaired by Fadnavis, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Public Works Minister Shivendrasinh Raje Bhosale, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development) Asim Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Public Works Department) Milind Mhaiskar, and MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, among others. Bhayandar to Virar Metro ProjectThe Metro 13 (Mira Bhayandar to Vasai-Virar) route, passing through Thane and Palghar districts, will be implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The total estimated cost of this project is ₹17,724 crore. Total Length: 25.03 kilometers (21.78 km elevated and 3.25 km underground). Stations: A total of 16 stations are proposed, including 13 elevated and 3 underground stations. Integrated Bridge: The project includes a 4.92-kilometer integrated bridge combining a 6-lane road (3+3) and metro connectivity linking Panju Island across the Vasai Creek. Depot & Connectivity: A metro depot is proposed at Chikal Dongri. The route will connect Mira Road, Vasai, Nalasopara, Naigaon, and Virar.
