Monorail cost escalates by Rs 236 crore

Mumbai: India’s first monorail project in the city is allegedly seeing a price escalation of Rs 236 crores, as per information procured under the Right To Information (RTI). The total estimated cost for the project is pegged at around Rs  2,460 crores, including Phase 1 and Phase 2.

The delayed project is getting costlier day by the day, thereby burdening the public exchequer, claimed RTI activist Anil Galgali, who received the information. The RTI information from the MMRDA administration revealed that since January 31, 2018, the cost expected on the first phase has increased. The total estimated cost of Monorail for Phase 1 and 2 was Rs 2,460 crore excluding taxes. As of now, the expenses  incurred have touched Rs 2,136 crore. The cost escalation for both the phases has been estimated at Rs 236 crore.

Mr Galgali said, “The escalation cost of Rs 236 crore has received approval from the MMRDA administration committee, executive committee and the Metropolitan Commissioner as well as the state government.”

Phase 1 of the monorail, from Chembur to Wadala, 8.80 km, will have seven stations — Chembur, V. N. Purav Marg and R. C. Marg junction, Fertilizer Township, Bharat Petroleum, Mysore Colony, Bhakti Park and Wadala. Phase 2, which is from Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk to Wadala (11.2 km), has 10 stations.