A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF VARIOUS METRO RAIL PROJECTS IN INDIA

Civil Engineering

This paper investigates the effect of the Delhi and Mumbai Metro, an intra-city mass rail transit system, on environment within Delhi and Mumbai. The objective of the present study is to carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for both the corridors. The Environmental baseline data collected for the study includes secondary data and primary data on quality of air, water and soil; noise; vibration; and sensitive receptors along the corridors. The identifying assumption is that in the absence of the extension there would be a smooth transition in pollution levels. Various alternatives such as modes of transport, alignment, proposed design etc. have been considered and analyzed for its likely impacts on various environmental parameters. Additionally, an evaluation of potential environmental impacts in terms of ‘with’ and ‘without’ project situation has been considered for the justification of Corridor. It is concluded to show that the Metro Projects has resulted in reductions of two important vehicular emissions, namely, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. It is estimated that a cumulative impact of a 35 percent reduction in CO levels for the regions around major traffic intersection in Delhi and Mumbai are observed. This is due to the traffic diversion effect, where people are switching from private modes of travel to the Metro. Given, documented evidence on the adverse health effects of air pollution, the findings suggest that these indirect benefits must be considered in any cost-benefit analysis of a rapid mass transport system. The Metro Rail Projects has proved to be a great success in the recent times as it turned out to be a boon for the people of the city.

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