Mumbai: Underground Metro work to start in January 2015

"The Central and State Governments, through MMRDA, will bear rest of the cost. The Centre will provide 50 per cent of central taxes as sub-debt, while the balance 50 per cent shall be borne by the Maharashtra Government. The state may also get a few exemptions from local taxes," he said.

Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) will chip in with Rs. 777 crore since the metro will pass through their area, Sethi said.

The Colaba-Seepz (in Andheri) line will comprise 27 stations. Of this, 26 will be underground and one at Aarey Colony, Goregaon, will be at the ground level.

The corridor is expected to carry 13.9 lakh commuters daily by 2021 and 17 lakh by 2031.