This is for the fourth time that the deadline for the first phase of the 12 kilometre Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor has been extended

Mumbai: Mumbaikars will now have to wait for another nine months to enjoy the ride on the city's first metro corridor from Versova to Ghatkopar as the deadline for its completion has been extended to March 2013, reports PTI.

This is for the fourth time that the deadline for the first phase of the 12 kilometre Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor has been extended.

Initially the deadline was for December 2010, which was extended to June 2011 then March 2012. Later it was again extended to November 2012.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, who reviewed the progress of various projects of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Tuesday, said the project will be completed by March next year.

"We have been informed by the project developer that the first corridor will become operational by March 2013," Chavan told reporters.

The Reliance Infrastructure-led consortium Mumbai Metro One Private Ltd (MMOPL) is developing the 12 km Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor under public-private-partnership (PPP).

On the progress of metro II project from Charkop to Mankhurd, Chavan said, "There has been a delay in construction of the 32 km route mainly due to the environmental clearance issues for the car depots at Charkop. We expect things to be sorted out soon."

The contract for construction of the ambitious Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) will be awarded by November, he said.

"We have received tremendous response not only from domestic giants but also international firms who have formed several consortium. We expect the contract to be awarded by November this year," Chavan said.

Emphasising on completion of projects, he said, "Our prime focus now is to complete the existing projects as soon as possible. We want to project Mumbai as an international financial hub and the infrastructure projects undertaken are a step taken towards achieving this target."

The entire 16.8 km Eastern Freeway from PD'Mello Road to Ghatkopar is expected to be ready by March 2013, Chavan added.