Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority plans to scrap two lines of Mumbai Metro Rail project. MMRDA is currently checking the viability of laying lines on the Hutatma Chowk-Ghatkopar route and the Ghatkopar-Mulund stretch. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which is studying the viability of the two routes, will prepare a detailed project report on the two lines.

As per the MMRDA's cost estimate of the Metro in 2003, the two lines were to cost around Rs.4,695 crore. While the total cost of building the nine lines was pegged at Rs.19,525 crore, which currently stands at Rs.40,000 crore.

It is learnt that, even if the two metro lines are scrapped, a monorail services on the same stretch and the cost-benefit ratio of the monorail is considered to be more feasible than that of the metro rail. A monorail can be built at a cost of Rs.50-100 crore per km, depending upon the congestion in the area vis-a-vis an approximate Rs.250 crore for a corresponding stretch of the metro.

Meanwhile, MMRDA has also called for global bids for selecting a consultant for monitoring work on the monorail project.