Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has initiated preliminary work on the much-anticipated Metro 11 corridor, designed to enhance connectivity between Wadala and Regal Cinema. This phase involves a crucial geo-technical survey, which will form the foundation for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the underground line.
MMRCL, renowned for its successful execution of the 33.5-kilometre Metro 3 corridor, is spearheading the Metro 11 project as well. Initially conceived to extend between Wadala and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the route has been strategically revised to better cater to Mumbai’s evolving transit needs. The Director of Planning at MMRCL confirmed that tenders for the geo-technical survey have been issued. This survey will entail drilling boreholes at 500-metre intervals along the proposed twin tunnel alignments.
Borehole depths will vary between 10 and 20 metres or more, depending on the specific geotechnical requirements of the site. The revised Metro 11 route will connect Wadala to the Eastern waterfront, traversing key locations such as Byculla, Bhendi Bazaar, Crawford Market, and concluding at S P Mukherjee Chowk (Regal Cinema Circle). This alignment has been optimised to serve high-density and commercial areas more effectively than the original plan, which ran parallel to the Harbour Line and underutilised potential ridership.
Notably, the revised route crosses major railway lines, including the Harbour and Central Railway lines, and passes through bustling locales such as Byculla. The terminal at S P Mukherjee Chowk is expected to become a major transit hub, attracting commuters, tourists visiting the Gateway of India, and shoppers from Colaba’s markets. The introduction of Metro 11 is projected to alleviate the dependence on buses and taxis in the CSMT-Ballard Pier-Colaba corridor. This will offer a more efficient and cost-effective transportation alternative, especially in congested areas like Nagpada and Bhendi Bazaar, while providing improved access to Crawford Market’s extensive retail and wholesale markets.
The Metro 11 project carries an estimated price tag of INR 16,000 crore. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has indicated that funding discussions and due diligence will commence once the project secures formal approval. This ambitious venture is expected to significantly enhance Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure, reducing travel times and improving connectivity across key urban areas.
