For the construction of the largest integrated metro car depot in Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) obtained over 174 hectares of vacant land in Mogharpada, Thane. For Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11, which run approximately 56 kilometres from CSMT to Mira Road, the facility will serve as the major centre for operations and maintenance.
According to officials, “the land was officially transferred to the MMRDA after a government resolution, and the depot work will start immediately. The contract of Rs 905 crore has been given to the project contractor, SEW–VSE JV. The depot will have 64 stabling lines, 20 maintenance lines, control centers, automated train wash systems, and other heavy maintenance facilities.”
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, said, “The Mogharpada metro depot stands as a cornerstone in Mumbai’s journey toward a more connected and commuter-centric future. As the central hub for Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11, this facility will ensure seamless, reliable service across some of the city’s most rapidly growing corridors.”
The depot’s main function will be to store and care for the trains during the Off-peak times, so that daily inspections, significant overhauls, and testing can take place. Commuter safety and constant operation are prioritised in the depot’s design, especially during peak hours.
Approximately 12 lakh commuters would be transported daily by Metro Lines 4 and 4A, which will greatly reduce travel times by as much as 50% from Wadala to Kasarvadavali and Gaimukh, respectively. Along with providing service to upcoming Metro lines 10 and 11, the depot will strengthen connectivity throughout Thane and Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.
All four lines are undergoing construction, and the unified depot at Mogharpada will offer centralised administration and speedier reaction times in cases of technical halts.
Similar to Cidco, the MMRDA employed a farmer-first approach to expedite construction. Of the land purchased, 22.5% will be restored for lease to farmers, and 12.5% will be allocated for development plots with roads and infrastructure.
“This milestone accelerates our goal of expanding sustainable, multimodal transport infrastructure that meets the aspirations of New Maharashtra,” the CM added.
“With transparent land acquisition, farmer-centric rehabilitation and future-ready engineering, we are delivering infrastructure that transforms lives while preparing Maharashtra for the next-generation of urban transit,” said Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA chairman Eknath Shinde.
It will include a blow-down plant to clean the roof and underframe of dirt. Catenary vehicle maintenance will also be handled by the CMV workshop. Training and operations will be managed by the Depot Control Centre. Staff quarters will be provided for required personnel so that the depot can operate around the clock.
The project’s land was given “as-is-where-is,” as per a government decree in October 2023. In its detailed project reports (DPRs), the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) suggested the integration and consolidated structure of the depot in order to increase productivity and simplify operations.
Metro lines 4 and 4A alone are expected to serve about 1.2 million passengers per day, decrease traffic and cut commuting times in half once they are operational.
For people impacted by the project, developed plots are provided as part of the land compensation plan. 22.5 percent of the Original land area will be allocated to farmers with leases, and 12.5% will be allocated to encroachers. A master scheme that includes 12-meter-wide internal roadways and 18-meter-wide major access roads has been developed to guarantee effective connection. The developed plots will be delivered within 36 months, according to MMRDA’s commitment. To promote openness and foster consensus, a number of public discussions were conducted earlier this year under the direction of the Thane district collector and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.