MMRDA employs various strategies and practices to ensure the continued smooth operation of metro rail services.

Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS
Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA

How does the authority ensure efficient project planning and execution to meet deadlines and budgetary constraints?

We ensure efficient project planning and execution to meet deadlines and budgetary constraints by choosing and implementing the project management software, which takes care of time tracking, file storage, scheduling, communication, and integration with other applications if required. To ensure the same, the Authority appointed the Project Management consultant who has international expertise for the execution of the project. In parallel, the Authority also schedules meetings from time to time and facilitates and addresses all the problems/ issues with the relevant stakeholders, so that the project shall not get hampered. The Project Management Consultant (PMC) with their expertise reviews the project scheduling submitted by the contractor and suggests the necessary modifications in line with the authority’s requirements for effective monitoring and implementing the projects. Delegating tasks effectively as said above the tasks are delegated to the team member of the appropriate category to certain team member of Project Management Consultant. Providing resources to the team member on the ground of the project for the effective empowerment.

How is modern technology integrated into the metro rail system’s operations, such as ticketing, train control, and passenger information?

Each station is provided with state-of-the-art ticketing facility comprising of ticket office machine, ticket vending machine for ticketing and card recharge, excess fare office – for customer grievance redressal. Metro ticketing facility VIA1 Mobile app is provided.

MMRDA Mumbai Metro is 1st metro to launch an interoperable Rupay NCMC card in collaboration with SBI bank.

Can you elaborate on any advancements or innovations in the metro rail system’s technology that have contributed to a better user experience?

• Online Ticketing
• Automatic ticket vending machine USB Mobile charging
• Bicycle carrying facility on train
• PWD friendly metro station and rail (coach)
• All the station has Platform Screen Doors (Automatic) safety features for Commuters.

How does the metro rail system contribute to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions in the region?

The two new metro lines in Mumbai have received a tremendous response from the city’s residents. Every day, approximately 250,000 commuters choose to travel via the metro, resulting in a significant reduction in congestion on the major roads of Mumbai. These metro lines have successfully reduced travel time, providing relief to Mumbaikars, especially those who use the Western Express Highway. The metro rakes, manufactured as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, are both environmentally friendly and equipped with air conditioning. They are reasonably priced, offering passengers a comfortable and efficient ride. Additionally, these two metro lines provide direct connectivity to Mumbai’s northern suburbs, helping to alleviate traffic congestion on the Western Express Highway. As a result, commuters are increasingly opting for the Mumbai Metro over dealing with traffic.

The Mumbai Metro is well-known for its commitment to being environmentally friendly. The metro projects are widely recognized as “Green Projects,” as they have zero carbon emissions. In fact, the Mumbai Metro has achieved the prestigious Platinum Rating awarded by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for stations. Our commuters benefit from the fact that the distance between each metro rail station is approximately 1 km, which not only reduces pollution but also encourages people to choose the metro for traveling to nearby destinations instead of other modes of transportation. Therefore, the Mumbai Metro plays a crucial role in contributing to the environment.

How does the MMRDA envision the integration of metro rail with other modes of transportation to create a seamless and comprehensive public transit network?

Integration with other modes for last mile connectivity is the key for success for any Metro Rail project. This has been envisioned at the time of planning itself and accordingly station-wise Multi Modal Integration planning is also done. In this plan, the station influence area (say about 250-500m) is planned having wider footpaths for pedestrians, shifting/re-routing of ground and underground utilities and street lights for making footpaths barrier free for safe pedestrian access, shifting of bus stops and bringing it closer to station within reach of 50m from the entry/exit staircases, foot over bridges for direct connectivity to station from major commercial buildings and malls, providing dedicated pickup-drop off bays for Buses/IPT’s/private vehicles, dedicated bays for emergency vehicles, dedicated feeder services through electric AC buses after carrying out route rationalization of existing bus routes, New design of bus Q shelter with queuing system, shared auto routes, pedestrian & traffic signages, traffic signal cycles restructuring, lane markings, beautification and landscaping, providing street furniture including railing, bollards for controlled crossings, dustbins, benches and Public Bike Sharing infrastructure. These works were carried out for 30 stations of ML 2A & 7 for which good response has been received from commuters.

What are some of the significant challenges the MMRDA has encountered during its projects, and how were these challenges overcome?

While execution of Line 5 followings are the challenges.

1. Delay in Land acquisition for Kasheli Depot and resulting delay in ROD.
2. Delay in Land acquisition at Entry/Exit and resolving R&R issues at Balkum.
3. Required NOC’sfor project from different department like CRZ, Forest clearance for viaduct work, depot spur and construction of Kasheli Depot.
4. To overcome such above issues: MMRDA should deploy adequate Senior Officer at each line to monitor the project and conduct frequent meetings with all stakeholders to resolve the interface and other issues.

While execution of Line 7 & 9 followings are the challenges.

1. Shifted two Police Chowkis without any major traffic hurdles.
2. Few piers were infringed with the toll booth, the same was executed in effective manner without affecting the huge traffic flow.
3. There are design and execution challenges in Dahisar station interconnects with Line 7 Metro Station and executed in the middle of Rawalpada flyover by mitigating all the risk efficient manner including traffic hurdles.
4. Many major utilities were shifted both underground and overhead cables including HT Lines.
5. Delay in land acquisition from airport authority of India by suitable compensation from MMRDA.
6. To overcome such above issues: MMRDA should deploy adequate Senior Officer at each line to
   monitor the project and conduct frequent meetings with all stakeholders to resolve the interface and other issues.

How does the corporation ensure the continued smooth operation of metro rail services, especially in the face of unforeseen circumstances or disruptions?

MMRDA employs various strategies and practices to ensure the continued smooth operation of metro rail services, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances or disruptions. These strategies encompass both preventive measures and responsive actions. Here’s how the Corpororation typically ensures operational continuity:

Maha Mumbai Metro is designed with redundancy and reliability in mind. Critical systems have backup mechanisms to minimize disruptions. SOPs have been drafted for Degraded and Emergency situations which can have Security, Safety and Operational impacts. Maha Mumbai Metro has developed comprehensive emergency response plans to manage various situations, such as accidents, natural disasters, or security threats. These plans outline procedures for evacuations, communication protocols, and coordination with relevant authorities. Firefighting and Building Management system installed in the System. Advanced monitoring systems track train movements, equipment status, and passenger flow in real time.

How does the corporation collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, and private partners, to achieve its project goals?

There are lot of stakeholders in the project like utility owners, Corporation, local bodies, and local union etc. Before the start of the project and during the project execution, MMRDA and Project Management team explained to them about the project needs and advantages, benefits including overall development for the society and for the future generations. In view of that all the stakeholders wholeheartedly supported the project and conducted meetings as and when required to implement the project as quickly as possible.

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