RailEnquiry

MUMBAI: The railways and state government are going to undertake joint survey to identify the problems and solutions before the finalization of the bids for the elevated rail corridor between Churchgate and Virar.The railways have already demanded a floor space index adequate enough to help generate nearly Rs 7000 crore for the execution of 60 km long Churchgate Virar elevated corridor.The elevated rail corridor is expected to cost Rs 25,000 crore. Nearly 20 per cent of the project can be come from centre in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF).On Friday, a meeting was held between the officials of state government, railways and planning commission to take the process forward.A senior railway official said, "As per the financial consultant, Rs 7000 crore will have to earned from commercial exploitation of 8 land parcels and developing the air space above the few stations. The remaining amount can be earned from fare and other forms of non-fare box revenue, including advertising rights, rentals, etc."

It was also decided in the meeting that a joint survey, comprising officials from railway and state government will conducted. It will include the land parcels, utilities and implication on traffic during the execution of the project.

The railway official said, "For example, the survey will help us arrive at an fair idea about the exact quantum of FSI needed on particular spot or above any particular station depending on
traffic implication. The survey of utilities will help us calculate the time-frame that will be required ascertain to relocate the underground utilities like water pipe lines, sewage lines, cables etc."

This outcome from the survey will help prepare the final agreement that will signed with the bidder. The official said, "It will significanlty reduce the potential for conflict, which otherwise may mar the smooth execution of the project whose completion deadline is 2019."

He also said that the state support agreement (SSA) expected to be signed by next month. Another official said, "The SSA, which crucial to ensure timely removal of encroachment or utitlties in a time bound manner, will now be signed between the state government, railways and the bidder."