Mumbai Metro-3 project work to begin by March next.

The selection of contractors for the 33-km long Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3 corridor will conclude before the end of the current fiscal and construction will start by March 2016, said Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) at a press conference.

Allaying the fears of widespread displacement of project-affected families Bhide said that only 26 buildings will have to be demolished. But the process of shifting of tenants will not be forcible, proper rehabilitation would be carried out and
the entire process will be completed through a public consultation, she said.

The MMRC will coordinate with other concerned organisations such as BMC, MHADA, SRA and Mumbai Port Trust for offering best possible options for temporary and permanent rehabilitation.

On the issue of project completion, Bhide said the project is expected to be completed by 2020 as most of the requisite permissions and in-principle approvals for shifting different utilities and services are in place. The land acquisition for the project is at an advanced stage of completion.

HBL