Mumbai’s first operational metro corridor – Metro Line 1 (Versova – Andheri – Ghatkopar), is currently operated by Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL). The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) wants to take over the operation of Mumbai Metro One from its current operator MMOPL.
The Metro corridor was built on public-private partnership (PPP) with Anil Ambani’s Reliance Infrastructure. Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) is a joint venture company incorporated to implement the Mumbai Metro One project. Reliance Infrastructure holds 69% of the equity share capital of MMOPL, while MMRDA holds 26%, and the Veolia Transport holds 5%. Since 2014, the operation of the Mumbai Metro Line 1 Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor with a length of 12 KM is operated by MMOPL.
According to the source, “The state has asked MMRDA to come up with the terms and conditions and also ascertain the liabilities before the negotiations can begin or proposal discussed with MMOPL.” MMRDA official has also confirmed the plan to take over ownership of Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Mumbai Metro and said there had been some discussions, but talks are at “an initial stage.”
Mumbai Metro Line 2A and Metro Line 7 are expected to be operational by next year, May 2021, and both these lines intersect with Line 1. To facilitate passengers’ seamless movement between all three lines and have a standard fare structure, it becomes essential that a single authority operates all three lines. MMRDA is in the process of appointing a consultant to study the feasibility of taking over the operation.
Ever since the project has commissioned, the MMOPL has been facing a high revenue loss from the start of its operation. The MMOPL has also appealed for revision in fare to increase. In 2017, the company had claimed before the Bombay high court that they are suffering a loss of Rs 90 lakh every day of its operations during a hearing on a petition against raising tariffs. The company said that they are “bleeding financially.”
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