Navi Mumbai Metro: Project Profile

The Navi Mumbai Metro is a state-of-the-art mass rapid transit system engineered to support the planned urban expansion of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This profile details the project’s technical specifications, from its advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling to its phased corridor development, establishing a new benchmark for Indian urban rail infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

Route and Infrastructure

The Navi Mumbai Metro network is planned as a comprehensive 117.3 km system across six corridors, designed to integrate seamlessly with key transport hubs like the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The construction primarily utilizes elevated viaducts built with segmental box girder technology to minimize ground-level disruption in a dense urban environment. The infrastructure includes modern, elevated stations equipped with Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems, extensive CCTV surveillance, and real-time passenger information displays. The core depot, located at Panchanand, serves as the nerve center for operations, housing the Operational Control Centre (OCC), maintenance workshops, and a training facility.

Rolling Stock

The system operates a fleet of modern, stainless-steel trains manufactured by CRRC. Initially deployed in a three-car configuration (Driving Motor Car – Trailer Car – Driving Motor Car), the rake design is future-proofed for expansion to six-car sets to accommodate rising ridership. These trains are designed for a maximum speed of 85 km/h and operate on standard gauge tracks, powered by a 25kV AC overhead current collection system, which is a global standard for efficiency and reliability in modern metro systems.

Signalling and Automation

A key technological pillar of the Navi Mumbai Metro is its reliance on a Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, delivered by a consortium led by Ansaldo STS (now Hitachi Rail). This advanced system enables a high degree of automation, including Automated Train Operation (ATO), Automated Train Protection (ATP), and Automated Train Supervision (ATS). The CBTC technology facilitates shorter headways between trains, enhancing line capacity and operational efficiency while ensuring the highest levels of safety through continuous train position monitoring and speed control.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Urban Integration: The project is critical for decongesting road traffic and providing a high-speed link to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), directly supporting the region’s economic and population growth.
• Advanced Technology Adoption: The implementation of CBTC signalling, modern rolling stock, and automated systems positions the Navi Mumbai Metro as a technologically advanced transit system, setting a benchmark for future projects in India.
• Collaborative Project Model: The project’s execution through a partnership involving government bodies (CIDCO) and a consortium of national and international engineering firms showcases a robust model for delivering complex, large-scale public infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the entire Navi Mumbai Metro network be operational?

The first phase of the Navi Mumbai Metro is already operational. The full 117.3 km network is being developed in multiple phases. The completion timeline for the entire six-corridor network will depend on future construction schedules and approvals for the remaining phases, which are expected to be completed over the next decade.

Who is building the Navi Mumbai Metro?

The Navi Mumbai Metro project is owned and developed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). Its construction involves multiple expert partners, including CRRC for trains, a Hitachi Rail-led consortium for signalling, and major infrastructure companies like J Kumar Infraprojects, Nagarjuna Construction Company, and Larsen & Toubro for civil works.