PTI

Mumbai, May 23: The first of it's kind in India, elevated Churchgate-Virar suburban rail corridor on the Western Railway (WR) with air-conditioned compartments will soon be a reality with Maharashtra Government declaring it's support to the project.

"The issue was discussed in the cabinet meeting and the State Government has declared it's full support to the project," said the Principal Secretary for Urban Development, T C Benjamin.

The primary cost estimated by the Railway Ministry for the project is Rs 12,000 crore and the Centre is looking for a public private partnership for the project.

The tenders will be opened on May 29 for making techno-economic environment feasibility report.

There is an urgent need to start with the elevated rail, as the western railway is carrying 35 lakh commuters every day at present. The elevated rail is expected to carry 15 lakh commuters per day.

It will also have a better frequency than suburban rail that is one train every 90 seconds and minimum charges are expected to be Rs 20.

The railway ministry has estimated the revenue of Rs 3 crore per day from the elevated route. After all the approvals the project will take four to five years for completion.