Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has acknowledged a significant cost increase of Rs 63.67 crore in the Kasarvadavali to Gaimukh Metro 4A project. This information was revealed by the Metro Project Implementation Branch in response to an RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali.
According to the details, the contract for this critical metro link was awarded to M/s J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd. on September 11, 2019. The original project cost was estimated at Rs 440.84 crore. However, due to various reasons, the cost has now escalated, bringing the revised expenditure to over Rs 500 crore.
The project was initially slated for completion by March 31, 2024. However, the revised deadline has now been extended to April 2025. This extension was necessitated by delays in project execution, for which a nominal penalty of Rs 22 lakh was imposed on the contractor. The penalty has already been paid by M/s J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd.
Galgali highlighted the strategic importance of this metro corridor. He emphasized that the Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh line will provide a much-needed alternative on the congested Ghodbunder Road, enhancing connectivity for commuters.
Additionally, Metro 4A will link Metro 4 (Wadala to Thane-Kasarvadavali) with Metro 10 (Gaimukh to Shivaji Chowk), creating an integrated transport network.
Galgali has urged authorities to expedite construction to ensure timely completion, stressing that the project is vital for reducing traffic congestion and improving public transport infrastructure in the region.
