The problem of local station and last mile connectivity … know why the jam is not decreasing in Mumbai despite the metro

On an average, 1.6 lakh passengers travel daily on MMRDA-run Metro 2A and Metro 7. Metro 2A and some part of Metro 7 were opened in April, 2022. At that time, arguments were made on its low response that after the completion of the metro route, there would be a tremendous increase in the number of passengers, but after the metro started on the entire route in January, there has been an increase of three to four times, but This is less than the expected figures.

no facilities center

Hospitals, shopping places, offices built years ago in Mumbai were built keeping in mind the connectivity of local trains. There is more movement of people in these. The metro network is now being laid, so it will take time to become a center of facilities near these metro stations.

No connection to local station

Metro station does not have connectivity with local stations. At present, the lifeline of Mumbai is considered to be local. MMRDA is going to connect Ram Mandir station to Metro station for the first time through foot over bridge. The same option will have to be adopted in other places as well.

The trouble of changing transport frequently

For example, if someone comes from Thakur Village to work in Andheri till now, he can directly take a rickshaw or bus once and reach Borivali station. Then from there via train to Andheri. If he includes Metro in his daily routine in this fixed system for years, then he will have to reach Andheri first by coming to the metro station and then there is an office near metro, otherwise it is okay, otherwise through new transport facility, which is less available at present. Yes, we have to go ahead only through it. On the other hand, if there is an office in the west, then he will have to travel from Dahisar.

Last mile connectivity problem

Lack of BEST buses after getting down from the metro station, distance from stops at many places, lack of share rickshaws, etc. At present, people have less options after traveling by metro. Pre-paid cycle facility is also not becoming effective. Lack of parking near the metro station is also a big problem. Arvind, who travels by metro, says that after getting down from the metro, there is a problem of rickshaws.

highway on highway

The present route of Metro 7 has been built over the highway itself. Experts consider route selection as important from the point of view of passenger movement, just like Metro 1.

Benefits of joining the route

MMRDA is working on connecting entire Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with Metro. As such, Metro 7 will be extended further to the airport in the south and Bhayandar in the north. Next to Metro 2A, Metro 2B is going up to Mankhurd. With the increase in the number of routes, it is bound to increase in the number of passengers. When all metros start by 2026, it is expected to prove to be an alternative to local in its true sense.

Best is increasing feeder route

BEST is also starting feeder routes connected to Metro. The bus service from Gundavali station in Andheri to BKC will provide direct connectivity to the metro for office goers. Also, BEST’s new route plans are happening near many metro stations.

time in change

Over the years, Mumbaikars have got used to traveling in their own way. According to experts, it will take some time for them to adjust with the new option of Metro. As the facilities increase, people will start connecting with it.

Route: Metro 7 – Andheri East to Dahisar East

Length: 16.5 km
Cost: Rs 6,208 crore
6.68 lakh daily passengers by 2031

Route: Metro 2A – D N Nagar to Dahisar West

Length: 18.6 km
Cost: Rs 6,410 crore
6.09 lakh daily passengers by 2031