MMRDA inks pact with UK transport authority

To enhance the 150-km long metro network in the city, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transport for London (TfL), UK's transport authority, on Monday.

The partnership will seek to facilitate exchange of information and personnel for transfer of latest technology in the area of transportation, said a statement issued by MMRDA. "The MoU seeks to set up a co-operative framework of co-operation between the two sides for Metro development and operation," it said.

The MoU was inked in the presence of Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and a high-level delegation of officials from London Transport. The delegation led by UK Prime Minister David Cameron is in Mumbai as part of an India tour.

"The UK business community's participation in Mega Infrastructure initiatives in Maharashtra, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, will encourage us to plan more such initiatives for Mumbai's development," said Chavan.

TfL is London's integrated transport authority and operates buses, trams, light rail, heavy rail, taxis, river boats, streets and congestion charge for the Greater London area. The TfL also operates the London Underground Metro, the world's oldest and second largest service in terms of kilometres.

The Mumbai Metro Railway is of prime importance to meeting the city's transportation needs. A 11.40 km-long route, in the first phase between Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar, with 12 stations en route is nearing completion.

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