Mumbai: The state-run Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transport for London (TfL), to facilitate implementation of its plans of 150 km-long metro network in the metropolitan region.

The MoU, which was signed during a meeting between the visiting delegation of CEOs of UK with Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, seeks to set up a framework of co-operation between the two sides for Metro development and operation.

A high-level business delegation led by UK Prime Minister David Cameron is in Mumbai, as part of UK Prime Minister’s tour to India. Signing of the important MoU was part of Cameron-led delegation’s visit to Mumbai.

The MoU, inked by Rahul Asthana, Metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, and David Waboso, Director, Capital Programmes for TfL, will facilitate exchange of information and personnel for transfer of latest technology in this area.

Speaking on the occasion, Chavan said that UK business community’s participation in mega infrastructure initiatives in Maharashtra, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), would definitely encourage us to plan more such initiatives for the Mumbai development.

Chavan said that his government’s vision was to transform Mumbai into world class metropolis with globally comparable infrastructure and quality of life. “Towards archiving the vision a comprehensive transport and business plans have been prepared,” he said.

It is estimated that $40 billion (Dh147 billion) investment in transport and civic infrastructure will be needed for the same.

The UK delegation was shown a film Magnetic Maharashtra on the new industrial policy of the state. The delegation expressed their keen interest in development of infrastructure in India and especially in Maharashtra.

In his briefing about his organisation, Waboso said that TfL was one of the leading world integrated transport authorities and operated buses, trams, light rail, heavy rail, taxis, river boats, streets, congestion charge for the Greater London area.

He pointed out that the TfL also operated London Underground Metro which was world’s oldest and second largest service in terms of kilometres.