Inside Mumbai’s bold ‘one metro’ plan: How city aims to end transport chaos forever

The government has formed a high-level panel to explore merging all metro agencies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into one authority. Inspired by models like London’s TfL and Singapore’s LTA, this step aims to ensure smoother coordination, unified management, and an integrated public transport system. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

Metro projects in the region are currently handled by different agencies. This division has caused overlapping duties, delays, and coordination difficulties among operators, resulting in administrative confusion and inconsistent passenger services. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

Mumbai Metro One Private Limited, a collaboration between Reliance Infrastructure and MMRDA, manages Metro 1 from Versova to Ghatkopar. MMRCL oversees Metro 3, the underground Aqua Line from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, a project jointly developed by the Centre and the state. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

Mumbai Metro One Private Limited, a partnership between Reliance Infrastructure and MMRDA, operates the city’s first metro, the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor. MMRCL manages the fully underground Metro 3 line connecting Aarey to Cuffe Parade. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

One major goal of the merger is to standardize fare systems and create a single ticketing platform. Passengers will be able to use one card or app for all metro lines, similar to global transit networks, making commutes easier and faster. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

MMMOCL operates Metro 2A and 7, connecting Dahisar to DN Nagar and Dahisar East to Andheri East. It will also run the upcoming Pink and Yellow lines. These routes link major western suburbs and form a vital part of the city’s expanding metro network. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

CIDCO manages the Navi Mumbai Metro, while Maha Metro is responsible for select projects in the extended metropolitan zone. Their inclusion under one authority would ensure cohesive planning, faster completion, and improved service quality across regions. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

The proposed merger aims to reduce duplication of administrative functions, standardize fare systems, and synchronize ticketing operations. Integrating these areas would help commuters enjoy smoother connectivity between lines operated by different agencies. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

The unified authority is expected to form the backbone of a larger mobility vision that connects metro lines with buses, suburban trains, and upcoming transport corridors, ensuring cohesive and sustainable urban development. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

The committee will prepare detailed guidelines for transferring assets, evaluating value, and reassigning staff. A phased merger will ensure continuity of services while minimizing disruption during the transition period. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)