200 Metro services to run daily on Versova-Ghatkopar section The First Phase Of Mumbai’s Much-Delayed Metro Railway Will Be Operational Within A Week After It Receives Safety Clearances

Metro One plans to operate around 200 services every day on the 12-km long Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor, which is likely to open for commuters this month if it receives the safety certification. 

    "During peak hours we will run trains every four minutes, at other times the frequency will come down to 8-10 minutes," said Abhay Kumar Mishra, chief executive officer of Mumbai Metro One Private Ltd (MMOPL). The Rs 4,321-crore project promises to reduce travel time between the eastern and western suburbs, bringing the Andheri-Ghatkopar commute down to 21 minutes. Mishra said the Metro will initially handle around 7 lakh commuters every day. The line is estimated to cater to nearly 11 lakh passengers daily when the number of coaches are increased to six. 
    While final safety inspections of the Metro have been concluded, it is waiting for the certificate to begin operations. "Commercial operations can begin in seven days from the date of receipt of the safety certificate from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS)," Mishra said. 
    The CMRS completed the safety inspection on April 28. Sources said he was waiting for certain approvals, regarding rolling stock and electricals, from the railway board before issuing the certificate, adding the process may take at least a week. 
    The Metro has a total of 16 rakes in its fleet, each fitted with advanced systems to ensure zero collision. The fully air-conditioned coaches are built with fire-retardant material and have wheelchair facilities for the differently abled. The trains will also have additional features like 
dynamic route maps and LED destination signage. 
    Officials said commuters will have multiple ticketing options. "Apart from tokens and smart cards, commuters can also buy tickets from ticket-vending machines that can accept all forms of currency, except Re 1 coins which are smaller in size and weight," an official said. 
    MMOPL officials said the company has tied up with several health care agencies and instituted measures to evacuate people within four minutes in an emergency like a fire, over-crowding and other major technical breakdowns. 
EMERGENCY RESPONSES 
In the event of an emergency, stations will be evacuated in 4 minutes 
Victims/patients will be shifted to the nearest hospital in 10 minutes, owing to tie-ups with ambulance services along the route 
Platforms and concourse will have emergency remotecontrolled doors, which can be opened in case of smoke 
THE METRO STORY JUN 21, 2006 | Prime Minister Manmohan Singh carries out bhoomipujan FEB 8, 2008 | Work starts MAY 1, 2013 | Trial run from Versova to Azad Nagar, flagged off by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan JUNE 2, 2013 | Trial run extends till Airport Road NOV 9, 2013 | Trial run conducted on entire stretch 
WAIT ENDS 
After several missed deadlines, the route is expected to be commissioned by May 2014