Mumbai Monorail second phase complete, fully operational

Mumbai : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday flagged off the much delayed and awaited 11.28 kilometre second phase of the Chembur-Wadala-Jacob Circle monorail network, making it fully operational.

Now, passengers can use the complete 19.54 kilometre route of the country's first monorail system.

The first phase of the train, built and operated by a consortium of Larsen & Toubro and Malaysian firm Scomi Engineering, had become operational in February 2014.

Speaking at the event, Mr CM said that with the second phase coming to operation, the monorail won't be a joyride, instead it will be used for proper commute.

"The first 8 km route which got commissioned in 2014 was used as a mere joyride because there was no last mile connectivity. But now, with the commissioning of the second phase, it will no longer remain a joyride but passengers can now use it for a hassle-free commute," he said.

The Chief Minister said the monorail's annual ridership will now increase from the current 4.5 lakh to 30 lakh.

"In the process of urbanisation, the most important element that needs to be addressed is mobility. It is necessary to develop an efficient and sustainable public transport system. In Mumbai we have a strong suburban railway system, and with the projects like monorail and metro network, we will be able to develop sustainable mobility," he said.