Mumbai: The construction cost of the Mumbai Metro Line-4, connecting Wadala to Kasarvadavali, has surged by a staggering Rs 1,274.80 crore, marking a significant setback for the city’s metro expansion. Originally projected at Rs 2,632.25 crore, the project now faces substantial budgetary strain, coupled with a five-year delay in completion, revealed the reply to an RTI application filed by activist Anil Galgali. It underscores concerns about poor project management and administrative inefficiencies within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
According to information obtained by Galgali from the Metro Project Implementation Branch, the construction contract for the 32.32-km elevated corridor was awarded to RInfra-ASTALDI and CHEC-TPL on April 12, 2018. The corridor, featuring 30 stations, was initially slated for completion by July 2021. However, the revised deadline now extends to August 2026, raising questions about oversight and accountability.
Galgali has criticized the MMRDA’s handling of the project, citing the absence of punitive measures despite the cost overruns and significant delays. He stressed that penal action is warranted given the escalation in expenses and failure to meet the original timeline. “The lack of timely completion and cost management reflects serious lapses in planning and execution,” Galgali stated, urging the government and MMRDA to take responsibility for the financial burden on public resources.
Mumbai Metro Line-4 is designed to enhance urban connectivity by linking key transit points, including the Eastern Express Highway, Central Railway, Monorail, Metro Line 2B (DN Nagar to Mandale), Metro Line 5 (Thane to Kalyan), and Metro Line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli). However, Galgali warned that the prolonged delay poses risks to the commuting experience of millions of Mumbai residents who rely on an efficient metro network.
“The delay in delivering critical infrastructure like Metro Line-4 compromises public service and the overall development of Mumbai,” he added.
With the project now exceeding its budget by nearly 50%, concerns about mismanagement and inefficiency continue to mount. Public scrutiny and demands for transparency are intensifying as Mumbaikars await the long-promised metro link aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving transit options. Galgali has reiterated his call for a thorough investigation into the delays and cost overruns, emphasizing the need for stringent accountability measures to prevent similar issues in future infrastructure projects.
