Two key Mumbai infrastructure projects — the Chembur Metro station on Metro 2B and the Vakola-BKC elevated corridor — are ready for public use but are yet to be commissioned, with their formal inauguration still pending from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The Chembur Metro station forms part of the Andheri West-Mandalay Metro 2B corridor. Construction has been completed and the station has also received the mandatory safety certification. Despite the certificate being issued around two-and-a-half months ago, services at the station have not begun.
The Mandalay-Diamond Garden section of Metro 2B was opened in April, but passenger response has remained below expectations. Chembur is considered a crucial link as the station will improve connectivity and eventually facilitate integration with the existing monorail network between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk.
MMRDA had planned to complete and commission the Chembur station by June to improve connectivity and attract more passengers. However, the inauguration has been delayed.
The Vakola-BKC elevated road, meanwhile, is the third elevated corridor constructed under the Santacruz-Chembur Link Expansion Project. Two other corridors have already opened.
The 1.2-km, two-lane elevated stretch has been built at a cost of Rs 645 crore and is expected to reduce travel time between Vakola and BKC to around five to 10 minutes. The route will improve access to Vakola Junction, Ambedkar Chowk, Vidyapeeth Junction and BKC Junction.
MMRDA had planned to inaugurate both projects together in June. Preparations were reportedly made for an event on August 4 or 5, but the programme did not take place. Officials have indicated that the inauguration will be held soon, without specifying a date.
Meanwhile, the launch of the second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named “Arjuna”, for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project has also been delayed. The first TBM, “Nayak”, began tunnelling after its launch in April.
The three events — the Vakola-BKC corridor, Chembur Metro station and second TBM launch — are now expected to be held together, with MMRDA yet to announce the date.
Source: Loksatta
