The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is exploring a ropeway connecting with Mahavir Nagar Metro Station on Mumbai Metro Line 2A from Pagoda in Gorai in an effort to provide connectivity for the people living on the other side of the creek. The proposal is expected to reduce travel time from one and half hours to just 40 minutes. This project is being undertaken as a part of MMRDA’s efforts to improve last-mile connectivity facilities and increase ridership.
The proposed ropeway will not only provide last-mile connectivity to the villagers but will also promote tourism. With the presence of Essel World and a beach in Gorai, the ropeway is expected to be a popular mode of transportation for tourists. To make the proposed ropeway system more affordable, a PPP (Public Private Partnership) approach is being considered.
Tenders were floated for designing, financing, building, operating, and transferring the ropeway after the project was originally proposed in 2019. The MMRDA chose to prioritise other ongoing projects above this request, hence it decided to keep the proposal on hold. For the proposed ropeway corridor, the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) had created a thorough project report. The IPRCL has referenced the effectiveness of ropeways in New York, Columbia, and Turkey that are already operating successfully in their project proposal. On the mangroves, the proposed ropeway would have very little effect.
According to officials, the previous plan was expensive and hence was kept on hold. This time, the MMRDA wants to work in a way that is affordable, practical, and successful. The ropeway is expected to be a major attraction for tourists visiting Gorai and surrounding areas. It will also provide a much-needed alternative to ferry services or busy routes for the villagers.
With Metro Lines 2A and 7, a total of 35 km stretch open to the public and over a lakh commuters using them, the MMRDA is focusing on improving last-mile connectivity facilities to increase ridership. The ropeway project is expected to be a major step towards achieving this goal. The MMRDA is confident that the project will be completed within the proposed timeline and budget, and will provide a safe and efficient mode of transportation to the commuters.
The proposed ropeway connectivity between Mahavir Nagar Metro Station on Mumbai Metro Line 2A and Pagoda in Gorai is a significant development that will provide last-mile connectivity to the villagers residing on the other side of the creek. The project is also expected to boost tourism in the area and provide a much-needed alternative to ferry services or busy routes. The MMRDA is committed to working in a cost-effective manner and completing the project within the proposed timeline and budget.