MUTP-3A: Drones to help find land, survey the works

Commencing work on Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3A after receiving green light from the Union cabinet, the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has started drone surveys for the project to expand and improve suburban railway infrastructure.

Surveys of the Vasai-Bhayander creek are currently being undertaken in order to determine the land required for the project. The land that is being surveyed, will be required for the construction of fifth and sixth railway lines between Borivli and Virar railway stations.

“The survey for the land that will be required along with the issues that would be faced while construction is being undertaken with the help of drones,” said a senior MRVC official.

MRVC, the body that will execute major projects under MUTP 3A, also plans to undertake quarterly drone surveys of crucial works under the project. “Details (required) for drone surveys for every quarter for important projects including railway line between Borivli-Virar, Kalyan- Asangaon are being collected. We are finalising as to how the surveys would be conducted,” added the senior MRVC official.

MRVC is also in talks with banks regarding funding for the MUTP 3A project. The body has approached the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) regarding funds for major projects under MUTP 3A. “Discussions with banks are going on. Final estimation for funds that would be required after commencing of the work is being prepared,” added the official.

The Union cabinet in March had approved the MUTP 3A project, which aims to upgrade and expand Mumbai’s suburban rail network over the next five years. The MUTP 3A is a bouquet of 12 rail projects that could cost an estimated ₹33,690 crore.

The projects under MUTP 3A include buying air-conditioned local trains for the suburban railway network; setting up communication-based train control on Central, Harbour and Western Railways; building more railway lines from Borivli to Virar (5th and 6th lines), and Kalyan to Badlapur (3rd and 4th lines).