Conducted by Canada-based Lea International, the study aimed at formulating long-term transport strategies by identifying future travel requirements of the region expected till the year 2031. “The study by the consultant was unveiled today to the minister. The study proposed a phase-wise development in transport and infrastructure, while the cost of the project is estimated at over Rs 2,00,000 crore,” said Dilip Kawathkar, joint project director (Public Relations) for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project.

The total estimated cost of the various projects it envisages is a whopping Rs 2,07,965 crore, with an ambitious 30-year completion period proposed. The suggested phases for the mega project are to end in 2016, 2021 and 2031.

The study proposes further Metro Rail lines at a cost of Rs 1,10,095 crore. The proposed lines are Bandra Kurla Complex to Kanjurmarg, via airport; Andheri (east) - Dahisar (east), Hutatma Chowk- Ghatkopar, Sewri- Prabhadevi, Dahisar-Mira Road-Manikpur-Virar, Thane Ring Metro, Thane-Ghodbunder-Dahisar, Balkhum-Bhiwandi-Kalyan-Narthrengaon, Pokhran-Thane, Khusavali-Ambernath, Kanjurmarg-Mahape-Kalyan-Phata Pineline, Mankhurd-Vashi-Narthengaon, Vashi-Belapur-New Airport (Panvel), Dronagiri-Pirkone-Jite, Shirki-Vashi-Jite, Horniman Circle- Uran-Dronagiri and Sewri-Kharkopar.

The study also proposes 17 inter-state and inter-city bus terminals, six inter-city rail terminals, five truck terminals and 13 Passenger Water Transport (PWT) terminals within the MMR. The study has proposed seven major components to improve the overall transportation scenario in the MMR—Metro Rail, suburban railway system, highways, exclusive bus lanes, buses, passenger water transport and terminals.

Key among the findings is the expected growth in two and four- wheeler ownership by 2031. The study projects two-wheeler ownership to go from 1.34 million to 6.77 million in the region, while four-wheeler ownership is projected to be less steep, from 0.69 million to 2.26 million by 2031. Another interesting projection is an expected five-fold rise in the number of air passengers by 2031.