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By the year's end, Mira Road, a densely populated area on the outskirts of Mumbai, is set to be linked via Metro, marking a significant step in improving the region's public transport infrastructure. This development will see the activation of overhead power lines and the commencement of train trials starting May 10, heralding a new era of connectivity for residents and commuters alike. The introduction of the Kashigaon Metro station, situated roughly 1.4 km east of the existing Mira Road Western Railway (WR) station, is a key component of this project, promising enhanced accessibility and convenience for the local community.
The extension of Metro Line 9 from Andheri-Dahisar to Mira Bhayandar through Kashigaon represents a pivotal phase in enhancing the public transport network in the region. This new line is an extension of Red Line 7, designed to connect Andheri (WEH) directly to Kashigaon in its first phase, and extending to Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium in Bhayandar West during its second phase. Initially, the line will inaugurate four stations - Dahisar, Pandurang Wadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon - out of a total of eight, aiming to significantly reduce travel time and alleviate congestion on existing transportation modes.
The upgrade of the Mira Road WR station is part of a broader initiative to accommodate the growing number of daily commuters, which currently stands at 1,31,764. Recognizing the limitations of horizontal expansion, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is undertaking a comprehensive enhancement of the station's infrastructure. This includes the construction of a 158.50m long and 10.70m wide elevated deck, along with the addition of new north and middle foot over bridges (FOBs) and extensions, facilitating smoother passenger flow and improved access across the station.
The energization of the Metro's 25,000v Overhead Traction Wires on the 4.973 km stretch from Dahisar to Kashigaon on May 10 is a critical step towards the commencement of full-scale, dynamic testing of the Metro trains. This testing regime will rigorously evaluate vital systems including train movement, signalling, communication, and safety, setting the stage for the Metro's eventual public operation. The MMRDA has issued advisories urging citizens to exercise caution during this period, underscoring the importance of safety as preparations for the Metro's launch progress.
The integration of the new Metro service with the existing railway infrastructure has sparked conversations among commuters and activists alike. While some, like commuter Mehana Rizvi, express concerns over the distance between the new Metro and existing railway stations, suggesting closer proximity could have enhanced convenience, the overall sentiment remains positive. Commuter activist Shailesh Goyal highlights the broader benefits of the Metro, including the construction of a new flyover for vehicles, which has already improved traffic conditions in Mira Road.
"The Metro and railway stations are quite far from each other. Couldn't they have planned it in a way to bring them closer? It would have made a big difference. Now that they're built at such a distance, we'll need a bus just to travel between the two. Still, this new Metro link is going to change the entire transport setup in the area," said Mehana Rizvi, underscoring the transformative potential of this project.
Reflecting on the strategic significance of the Metro Line 9 project, a MRVC official emphasized the innovative solutions being implemented to overcome spatial constraints and enhance passenger experience. "Since horizontal expansion is not feasible, a deck-level grid is created under MUTP-3A as a vertical solution to enhance passenger convenience. By interconnecting these deck-level spaces with foot overbridges (FOBs) and providing escalators & elevators, we are ensuring smoother passenger movement, reducing platform congestion, and improving overall accessibility," they remarked, highlighting the meticulous planning and execution behind this endeavor.
As Mira Road prepares to welcome the Metro, the anticipation among residents and commuters is palpable. This new link promises not only to ease the burden on the overcrowded Mumbai suburban railway system but also to foster greater connectivity across the city's suburbs, making it a long-awaited and highly anticipated development in the region's transportation landscape.
