2 More Metros: Dahisar-Mira Bhayander, Andheri-International Airport metro projects approved by cabinet

The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved the implementation of two Metro rail projects, Dahisar-Mira Bhayander and Andheri-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSIM) airport, in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The Dahisar-Mira Bhayander route will be called Metro 9, while the Andheri-CSIM airport route will be known as Metro 7A, an official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) will be in charge of raising funds for the projects, collectively worth Rs 6,607 crore.

According to the official, the Dahisar-Mira Bhayander route will be 10.41 km long elevated corridor and will have 11 stations, while the extension of Metro 7 Andheri-CSMI airport (Metro 7 A) will be 3.17 km long in which 2.11 km will be underground.

To ensure effective implementation of the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, the cabinet also gave a go-ahead to a proposal of providing 20 percent funds from the scheme as an incentive to the doctors and medical staff of the government-run medical and dental colleges and affiliated hospitals for operation and treatment of patients.

“Similarly, 25 percent funds will be with the government for creating additional infrastructure facilities and 52 percent funds for development of medical and educational facilities in the institution concerned,” the official said.

In another decision, the cabinet also gave its nod for setting up a food technology college in Yavatmal and Walwa taluka in Sangli district.

“The college will be set up at a cost of Rs 102 crore,” the CMO official said adding that 130 new posts will be created and the college will have a capacity to enrol 40 students every year.