Mumbai Metro, BEST to raise integrated transport points

To ensure seamless travel, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation and BEST have joined hands to develop integrated transport points along the Colaba-Seepz underground metro corridor.
"MMRCL (Metro Rail Corporation) will work together with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) to develop major bus stations into such integrated transport points," Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said in a release.
MMRCL, which is the implementing agency for the project, in its recently-held board meeting had given a nod to integrate three such existing bus stops with the metro line.
"The entire length of 33.5 km metro line III alignment passes through major BEST stations/depots and various open plots. To have better integration facility of the BEST with metro stations wherever possible, it has been decided to involve the BEST and explore the possibility of joint development and commercial exploitation," MMRCL Managing Director Sanjay Sethi said.

As BEST owns or is in possession of various lands in the city of Mumbai, it was observed that its services and metro stations can be integrated and seamless travel can be ensured, he said.
The first three BEST stations identified for the integration are Hutatma Chowk on D N Road, Science Museum station on E Moses Road (to be integrated via subway link with Ambika mill BEST Depot) and Seepz station to be jointly developed and integrated with SEEPZ bus terminal.
"The idea is that the underground portion of these stations will be utilised by MMRCL, while BEST will be integrating passenger traffic on the ground. The entire cost of the construction of these systems will be borne by MMRCL," he added.