After 12 long years of construction, the eagerly anticipated safety certificate for the 11.1km Navi Mumbai Metro is finally expected to be granted this Friday. This significant certification will officially declare the metro project safe for public use, marking a major milestone in the development of rail-based public transportation in the region. The metro line, which connects Belapur Railway Station to Pendhar, has been a work in progress since its groundbreaking ceremony way back in May 2011.
A senior state official has confirmed that the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS), the final authority responsible for granting the safety certificate, is expected to issue it today. Once this crucial certificate is obtained, the project will fulfill all the necessary requirements for commencing commercial operations.
Following the certification, a political event will be organized to celebrate the successful execution of the project, although the date for this event is yet to be finalized.
Completion of CMRS Inspections on April 25
In October 2021, the CMRS had granted approval for the Kharghar-Pendhar stretch of the metro link, while the Belapur to Kharghar stretch required some essential engineering corrections. The CMRS had requested the implementing agency to replace the bearings on the majority of the alignment’s pillars, leading to further delays in the project. However, the final round of inspections by the CMRS was concluded on April 25 this year. These inspections, which began on April 17, covered various aspects, including rolling stock, electrical systems, civic facilities, and security measures.
Phase 1 of the Project
Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai Metro comprises a total of 11 stations, spanning a distance of 11.1km from Belapur to Pendhar, near Taloja. Initially initiated by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the project encountered several challenges over the years, including the blacklisting of one contractor. However, in January 2021, MahaMetro took over the project and will be responsible for its operation and maintenance for the next 10 years.
To ensure affordability, the fare structure of Navi Mumbai Metro 1 has been designed with multiple slabs. For distances up to 2km, the fare will be Rs10, while for distances between 2 and 4km, the fare will increase to Rs15. Thereafter, for every subsequent 2km, the fare will rise by Rs5. Beyond 10km, the fare will be fixed at Rs40.
Below is a table providing key details of the project:
| Line | Distance | Stations | Station Names |
| Belapur to Pendhar (Line-1) | 11.1km | 11 | Belapur, Sector-7 Belapur, Science Park, Utsav Chowk, Sector 11 Kharghar, Sector 14 Kharghar, Central Park, Pethapada, Sector 34 Kharghar, Panchnand, Pendhar Terminal |
The project, with a total cost of Rs 3,400 crore, is expected to accommodate approximately 8,000 riders during peak hours. It will provide a much-needed and convenient mode of transportation for the residents of Navi Mumbai, connecting major areas along its route.