MUMBAI METRO...

In June 2006, Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh inaugurated the first phase of the Mumbai Metro project. Construction work began in February 2008, and the system's first line is expected to be completed in March 2013, although some aspects of the project have been afflicted by delays and cost issues.

The Mumbai Metro is a rapid transit system under construction in the Indian city of Mumbai. The system is designed to reduce traffic congestion in the city, and will be built in three phases over a 15-year period, with overall completion expected in 2021. When complete, the system will comprise three high-capacity metro railway lines, spanning a total of 63 kilometres (39 mi). The Mumbai Metro's operator is Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), a joint venture company formed by Reliance Infrastructure, Veolia Transport and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

Mumbai is the financial and commercial capital of India. It is also among the largest cities in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of over 20 million as of 2011, and a population growth rate of around 2% per annum, Mumbai has the advantage of a high modal share of the public in favour of a public mass transport system. The existing Mumbai Suburban Railway carries over 7 million passengers per day, and is supplemented by the BEST bus system, which provides feeder services to station-going passengers to allow them to complete their journeys. However, due to the city’s geographical constraints and rapid population growth, road and rail infrastructure development has not been able to keep pace with growing demand over the past several decades. Moreover, the Mumbai Suburban Railway, though extensive, is not built to rapid transit specifications.

In May 2003, the original Mumbai rapid-transit plan was updated to include an elevated 10-kilometre (6.2 mi) LRT system linking Andheri and Ghatkopar, via Asalpha, Marol, Chakala and Saki Naka. In January 2004, a master plan was unveiled by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The plan encompassed a total of 146 kilometres (91 mi) of track, of which 32 kilometres (20 mi) would be underground. In June 2004, government approval was given for a 13-station elevated light rail line between Ghatkopar and Versova. The foundation-stone-laying ceremony was held on June 2006.

A section of an under-construction Metro rail bridge collapsed today, killing one and wounding 11.While one person, believed to be a construction worker employed at the site, was declared dead on arrival at the Seven Hills Hospital, another man is admitted there in a critical condition with serious chest injuries.

Five others admitted to Seven Hills Hospital and as many at Cooper Hospital are stable, sources said. Cranes and other heavy machinery have been deployed to clear the huge debris. The island city and suburbs received heavy downpour yesterday and early this morning. The collapsed bridge is part of the much-delayed 12-km Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor of the Mumbai Metro. According to a PTI report: Two persons, who were trapped under the debris, have been pulled out and rushed to nearby Seven Hills Hospital, officials said.

There were reports that one person died in the incident but no official confirmation was immediately available. The mishap took place when a 50-metre section of the Metro bridge came crashing down near Hotel Leela.

Two fire engines and an ambulance have been rushed to the spot, sources said, adding cranes and other heavy machinery have been moved in to clear the debris. The island city and suburbs received heavy downpour yesterday and early this morning.This part of the overhead Metro Bridge is on crowded Andheri-Kurla road that leads to the airport.