Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 | Last Update : 02:54 PM IST
MMRDA seeks AG’s advice on monorail firm
The firm mentions that there is no mention of commissioning of phase one or two.
Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has sought legal opinion from the state Advocate General (AG) over allowing Malaysian firm Scomi Engineering to operate monorail after commissioning of the second phase later this year.
MMRDA had recently floated bids to appoint a new operator for the monorail but Scomi cited that it is supposed to operate for three years after commissioning of the monorail.
The firm mentions that there is no mention of commissioning of phase one or two. However, the MMRDA claims otherwise and has now sought AG’s opinion on the same.
The monorail has been divided in two phases. The first phase is from Wadala to Chembur, which was commissioned in 2014, while the second phase is between Wadala and Jacob Circle, which is likely to be commissioned by year-end.
MMRDA metropolitan commissioner, UPS Madan confirmed that it has sought and opinion from the AG. “We will act on the basis of the opinion given by the AG,” he said. Ever since phase 1 of the monorail was commissioned, its operations have constantly been in the news for reasons like constant breakdowns of velocity joints, the doors of coaches opening out of turn, etc.
A month ago there were problems with the braking issues due to which Monorail services were shut for over two hours.
According to MMRDA, Scomi has been facing financial problems due to the loss in the operation of the phase 1 but it is said that the second phase is going to be profitable as it passes through densely populated area.
The trail of monorail
- Contract for the civil works of monorail was awarded in 2008 to L&T.
- Malaysian-based Scomi Engineering was given the contract to supply
- 15 rolling stocks for the project of which it is yet to give five.
- The project is been funded by the MMRDA itself and the project was bid for Rs 1,440 crore in 2008, however it revised the cost to Rs 2,460 crore later.
- Current average ridership in phase one is 20,000.
- It likely to increase to 1 lakh after commissioning of second phase.
