CIDCO approves Metro Neo for Navi Mumbai Metro Project

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has recently approved the implementation of the Navi Mumbai Metro Project, which includes the construction of Lines 2, 3, and 4. However, there’s a modified mode of transport that will be used called Metro Neo, a rubber-tyre bi-articulated electric trolley bus powered by an overhead traction system.“This innovative transport system is designed for cities with a population of up to 20 lakhs and provides seamless, fast, reliable, and cost-effective Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS),” said an official from CIDCO.MetroNeo is a state-of-the-art, comfortable, energy-efficient, minimal noise pollution, and eco-friendly transport system that provides a travel experience of international standards. It has air-conditioned coaches with an automatic door-closing system, level boarding, comfortable seats, and an electronic passenger announcement and information system. MetroNeo coaches are lighter and smaller than traditional Metro trains.Metro Neo is an innovative transportation system that will provide commuters with a comfortable, safe, and efficient travel experience, officials say. This mode of transportation is friendly to the environment and will help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the city. It will also contribute significantly to the region's economic development.However, CIDCO's decision has not gone down well with citizens, with many taking to Twitter to express their displeasure and disappointment. They feel that the decision should be overturned in favour of the standard metro gauge, which is in use for the pre-existing metro in Mumbai.This is an extremely illogical decision that must be reversed as soon as possible. On Twitter, Akshay Mhatre, a Navi Mumbai resident, said, Navi Mumbai should get a proper metro.This will be another failure like the Monorail we have in Mumbai, Kirankumar Raorane tweeted. CIDCO appears to be afraid of completing metro projects on time.Citizens complained that residents of Navi Mumbai are being taken advantage of, and that a top-tier city like Navi Mumbai should have a proper metro system rather than such substandard infrastructure. Citizens on social media agreed that Navi Mumbai deserved a metro built on standard gauge metro lines that would connect both Navi Mumbai and Mumbai.According to Vipul Padghan, there needs to be a better thought process. Running so-called metro-shaped mini-buses only to realize a few years later that they aren't sufficient for the passenger volume is something that only decision makers with zero future retrospection can come up with, he tweeted.According to Ashish Singh, it appeared to be an easy way out for CIDCO. He stated that CIDCO chose this simple route due to the delays caused by Line 1, which was delayed and marred by contractor issues. He added that CIDCO is still following the old DPR, which may have suggested Neo Metro.Citizens also said that the decision lacks foresight. Kunal Patel, in a tweet said, “The population of Panvel city will increase to 20 lakhs in the next 10 years. There seems to be a lack of foresight in planning. Metro Neo should not be made. Standard Rail metro must be the only option.”Also ReadCoal Ministry Action Plan 2023 -24 Targets 1012 MT Coal ProductionNTPC marks 1st Overseas Capacity Addition With Bangladesh Power Plant