Mumbai: Stating that people would now look at the Mumbai Monorail as a legitimate means of transport and not a mere joyride, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Phase 2 of the project at Sant Jagnade Maharaj Chowk on Sunday.

Phase 2 — from Wadala to Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk — will kick into from Monday and operations will go on from 6 am to 10 pm. At the programme, he mentioned plans to foster connectivity between the monorail, Mumbai Metro and suburban railway stations.

This would help reduce pollution and traffic, he stated. Stating that cities become environment friendly and sustainable if proper public transport is provided, Mr Fadnavis also ordered the mayor to adopt electric vehicles Brihan-mumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus services.  

For better urbanisation, transport mobility is required, Mr Fadnavis said.  “People were thinking that the monorail is history and only dates and promises had been given so far. But when our government took over, we started the much-awaited second phase,” he said. He also congratulated officials and Mumbai Metro-politan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Monorail workers. “With the Metro, Mono we are starting water transport, which is facing legal hurdles” he added.

Railway minister Piyush Goyal also appreciated the monorail services, saying that India’s first mono project has finally started.  “It will reduce the stress on Railways,” he said.