“The launch of monorail (in February this year) and now Metro shows we have really entered the 21st century,” the chief minister said adding this is the country's first Metro BOOT project.
Earlier, when the bids were invited, Mumbai Metro was under the Indian Tramways Act. But, later the Central government introduced the Metro Act, bringing the Metro under the new Act, which allows the operator to fix fares.
With this service, the journey on the 11.4 km stretch will reduce to 20 minutes which otherwise takes around 90 minutes at present by road.
The launch of the Metro services was, however, not without controversy as Chavan had yesterday said that he will inaugurate the services only if MMOPL (Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd) adheres to the state government-notified fares. But, later on he agreed to flag-off the service.
Admitting that there was a dispute over the Metro fares, Chavan expressed the hope that the issue will be resolved through court.
MMOPL Director Debashish Mohanty had yesterday said they would go ahead with its launch today even if the Chief Minister does not come for the inauguration.
