The much-anticipated Metro Line 14, connecting Kanjurmarg to Badlapur, is likely to commence construction within the next year, officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have confirmed. The 39-kilometre corridor is being considered for development under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
According to senior officials, once operational, the Magenta Line is expected to significantly reduce road travel time by 1.5 to 2 hours, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. The MMRDA projects a daily ridership of approximately 7 lakh passengers, providing much-needed relief to congested roads, particularly during peak office hours.
The draft Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the corridor, prepared by Milan Metro, has already been submitted. The proposed alignment mirrors elements of Milan’s metro network, which primarily runs underground. In a similar fashion, Line 14 will feature underground sections from Kanjurmarg to Ghansoli, transitioning to elevated tracks from Ghansoli to Badlapur.
Tendering for the project is likely to begin soon, and preparatory work is underway. However, the MMRDA will need to secure environmental and forest clearances, as the route is expected to pass near Parsik Hills and the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, both ecologically sensitive zones.
While the MMRDA is optimistic about moving forward on a PPP basis, sources indicate caution. A senior official remarked, “The MMRDA has previously faced challenges with metro projects executed under PPP. The final decision on this model should be taken only after a thorough assessment of all potential implications.”
If all approvals are granted and the bidding process proceeds smoothly, Metro Line 14 could become a game-changer for Mumbai’s extended suburbs, offering fast, sustainable, and efficient urban mobility.
Source: Mid-day
