JICA says willing to fund Metro 3 extension to Mumbai's Navy Nagar, Line 11 too

MUMBAI: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has put its signature on the release of the final tranche of Rs 4,474 crore for the Metro 3 project and expressed willingness to fund its extension to Navy Nagar as well as the Metro 11 corridor between Wadala and Hutatma Chowk.
The loan agreement was signed in New Delhi by Manisha Sinha, additional secretary, department of economic affairs (DEA), and Hiroshi Suzuki, the ambassador of Japan.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), which is executing the Metro 3 project, has also been appointed to lay the proposed underground Metro 11 via Byculla. MMRCL has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the extension of Metro 3 to Navy Nagar. The Metro 11 project is estimated to cost Rs 16,000 crore, while the Metro 3 extension will cost Rs 2,500 crore.
"Once the project receives approval, JICA can begin discussions and due diligence. These projects are expected to significantly ease travel in Mumbai," the chief representative of JICA, Saito Mitsunori, said.
On the delay in the Metro 3 project, Mitsunori said the project, executed through densely populated areas of the city, faced delays because of unforeseen challenges and the impact of Covid-19. "Despite these challenges, MMRC has done a commendable job," he said.
The first phase (Aarey-BKC) of the Metro 3 line is expected to open by Aug or Sept, with the full corridor becoming operational by Dec. "Travelling from the airport to the city centre and Nariman Point is currently a major headache. This metro will significantly reduce travel time. For example, the travel time from the airport to South Mumbai will be reduced to 45 minutes, compared to the current two hours during peak hours," Mitsunori said.
He attributed the cost escalation of the project to delays in execution. Originally estimated to cost Rs 23,136 crore, the final cost of Metro 3 is now pegged at Rs 37,275 crore. "It is quite natural for costs to increase in such large projects," he said.