The Mumbai Metropolitan Region could add another transport option to its growing network, with the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) examining a driverless elevated transit system to connect the upcoming bullet train station in Virar with Metro Line 13 in Nalasopara.
The proposed Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) corridor would stretch approximately 3.1 km, linking Sahakar Nagar in Virar East with the Nalasopara West Metro station. The alignment is expected to cross existing suburban railway tracks, potentially offering passengers connections between high-speed rail, metro and local train services.
The proposal forms part of a local development plan covering 463 hectares around the upcoming Virar high-speed rail station. The civic corporation is preparing the plan with consultant Tandon Urban Solutions Pvt Ltd and a Japanese team that includes the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A draft is expected by early November before being submitted to the Maharashtra government for approval.
“As a part of the development of the area falling under the influence of the bullet train station, one of the necessities is to connect it with a local metro station,” said VVCMC Commissioner Prithviraj B P.
He added that a direct metro connection could help residents travelling by bullet train reach their neighbourhoods more conveniently.
The proposed AGT would use automated, driverless vehicles operating on a dedicated guideway. Its relatively compact infrastructure is being considered as an alternative to conventional metro construction in the densely populated region. Initial capacity is estimated at around 50–70 passengers per vehicle or trainset.
“The AGT is one of many transit modes that will be available at the Virar bullet train station, including buses. It will run on a small track of around 3.1km and have a limited capacity of 50 to 60, perhaps 70. And while the end nodes will connect the bullet train and the Metro, there may be one of two stops in between potentially offering a link with a railway station,” said Prithviraj.
Architect and urban planner Avani Shikhare said the system would draw on Japanese AGT models. A suburban railway interchange is also under consideration, with Nalasopara station and Virar station being potential connection points.
Officials are examining a possible extension towards the Virar coast, taking the corridor to nearly 17 km. However, the final route, technology and passenger capacity remain undecided.
Source: The Indian Express
