Mumbai: In a bid to bring one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects to life, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has issued an e-tender for Metro Line 14 — a proposed 38-kilometre corridor from Kanjurmarg to Badlapur— under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Significantly, the entire process is being aligned with NITI Aayog norms, a move aimed at ensuring greater transparency and viability.
Metro 14, which is envisioned as the longest corridor in Mumbai’s suburban transit network, is part of the city’s broader mega infrastructure push. With an estimated ridership of seven lakh passengers daily, the corridor holds substantial potential for easing congestion in the extended suburbs — areas that currently rely only on a mix of overburdened roads and railways.
The MMRDA is treading cautiously, learning from past PPP ventures — many of which ended up as stressed assets — the authority has initiated a market-testing phase. It has invited the tender to identify potential private partners. Only in the next phase, involving Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Quotation (RFQ), will detailed financial and technical positions be evaluated.
“This corridor is unique in terms of length and catchment area. There’s no overlapping metro connectivity, and the existing road infrastructure is weak,” said a senior official involved with the project. “We want to ensure only financially sound players come on board. Following the NITI Aayog framework helps us ensure due diligence.”
One of the major concerns flagged by MMRDA is the delay in fare revisions under PPP models, which can hurt the long-term sustainability of private investments. The authority is keen to scrutinize the financial strength of bidders early in the process to ensure they can withstand revenue fluctuations.
Sources also confirmed that Milan Metro, which is already serving as a consultant for Metro Line 14, has shown interest in participating in the bidding process. MMRDA, after review, has allowed them to submit their bid, maintaining that all necessary conditions and disclosures will be adhered to.
Interested parties have until 3 PM on July 28 to submit their bids. The project is estimated to be completed within five years once awarded.
