Navi Mumbai considers MetroNeo 2.0

25 Jul 2023 CW Team

The proposed system caters to passenger loads that are neither excessive nor thin and is more cost-effective than a metro rail. A metro rail is economical for Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) of over 15,000, while a bus transit system caters to up to 5,000 PHPDT. A rail-based tram system addresses traffic requirements of up to 15,000 PHPDT. Hence, Metro Neo has been proposed for cities and corridors where PHPDT is around 8,000 and extendable up to 10,000.

The Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs issued standard specifications for Metro Neo in November 2020. “The CIDCO Board has approved the implementation of Navi Mumbai Metro Line 2, 3, and 4 using a modified mode of transport called MetroNeo 2.0 instead of the standard gauge Metro. MetroNeo 2.0 is a rubber tyre bi-articulated electric trolley bus that is powered by an overhead traction system. This system requires a dedicated right-of-way and can be either elevated or at grade,” said a senior state official.

CIDCO has appointed the Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for MetroNeo 2.0 on the identified routes for these lines. So far, UMTC has submitted the travel demand model, alignment, and station locations. The draft DPR is in, and the tendering process is likely to commence in the months to come. The other cities in India where this system has been proposed are Nagpur, Nashik, Warangal, Delhi, and Jaipur.

Navi Mumbai has become the fifth city in India and the third in Maharashtra to actively consider Metro Neo, a hybrid of metro rail and bus rapid transit system. This innovative technology has all the features of a metro rail, except for the vehicle that ferries passengers. Bi-articulated buses with overhead equipment will power the system instead of rail-based coaches. The system is similar to the tram that once operated on the streets of South Mumbai but without rail tracks. The entire pathway will be elevated, with stations similar to metro corridors.The proposed system caters to passenger loads that are neither excessive nor thin and is more cost-effective than a metro rail. A metro rail is economical for Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) of over 15,000, while a bus transit system caters to up to 5,000 PHPDT. A rail-based tram system addresses traffic requirements of up to 15,000 PHPDT. Hence, Metro Neo has been proposed for cities and corridors where PHPDT is around 8,000 and extendable up to 10,000.The Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs issued standard specifications for Metro Neo in November 2020. “The CIDCO Board has approved the implementation of Navi Mumbai Metro Line 2, 3, and 4 using a modified mode of transport called MetroNeo 2.0 instead of the standard gauge Metro. MetroNeo 2.0 is a rubber tyre bi-articulated electric trolley bus that is powered by an overhead traction system. This system requires a dedicated right-of-way and can be either elevated or at grade,” said a senior state official.CIDCO has appointed the Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for MetroNeo 2.0 on the identified routes for these lines. So far, UMTC has submitted the travel demand model, alignment, and station locations. The draft DPR is in, and the tendering process is likely to commence in the months to come. The other cities in India where this system has been proposed are Nagpur, Nashik, Warangal, Delhi, and Jaipur.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..