In a pivotal decision aimed at boosting Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure, the Maharashtra state cabinet has given the green light to hand over 174. 01 hectares of land in Thane to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This move is a significant step towards making Metro lines 4 and 4A operational, bringing relief to millions of Mumbai commuters.
Land Handover for Metro Progress
The 174. 01-hectare parcel of land in Mogharpada, Thane, along the Ghodbunder Road, plays a vital role in the development of Metro lines 4 (Wadala โ Ghatkopar โ Thane โ Kasarvadavli) and 4A (Kasarvadavli โ Gaimukh). Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis enthusiastically announced the decision, stating, “We have decided to hand the land over to the MMRDA. ” This decision not only benefits the Metro 4 and 4A projects but also Metro 10 (Gaimukh โ Shivaji Chowk, Mira Road) and Metro 11 (Wadala โ CSMT), as well as the Coastal Road project, among others.
For the development of car sheds, residential areas, and industrial zones at the Mogharpada location, MMRDA will act as the special planning authority, Fadnavis added.
Compensation for Landholders
The Mogharpada plot currently has 167 farmers on lease and an additional 31 encroachers. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured, “MMRDA will compensate them while acquiring the land parcels for the project. ” In line with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) model, leaseholders will receive 22. 5% of the developed land as compensation, while encroachers will be granted 12. 5% of the developed property. This fair compensation approach ensures that the interests of the landholders are protected during this crucial infrastructure development.
Infrastructure Firms Emerge as Lowest Bidders
Back in November 2022, MMRDA took the initiative to seek bids from infrastructure firms for the construction of the car depot. Among the contenders, the joint venture of SEW Infrastructure and Vishwa Samudra Engineering emerged as the lowest bidders, offering to undertake the car depot’s creation for Rs 905.77 crore. This decision was a pivotal step in making the Mumbai Metro expansion financially viable.
Expanding Metro Connectivity
The combined stretch of Metro lines 4 and 4A spans a total of 35. 20 kilometers. Metro 4 alone covers 32. 32 kilometers, while Metro 4A encompasses 2. 88 kilometers. Initially, there were plans for the largest car depot at this location. However, due to challenges in land acquisition, MMRDA had to revise its plans, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning and execution in this massive infrastructure endeavor.
Bridge Loan to Boost Metro 3 Project
In another significant development, the state government has approved the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation’s (MMRC’s) proposal to secure a bridge loan of Rs 1, 000 crore. This financial boost is vital due to the increased project cost of Mumbai Metro 3 (Colaba โ Bandra Kurla Complex โ SEEPZ), which has risen from Rs 23, 136 crore to Rs 37, 276 crore. This cost escalation is attributed to various factors, including additional expenses for relief and rehabilitation, transit rents, civil and system contracts, administrative costs, and more.
The approval of this bridge loan ensures that the Mumbai Metro 3 project can continue without interruptions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving Mumbai’s public transportation network.
These recent decisions mark a significant stride forward in enhancing Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure. The allocation of land and financial support for these vital Metro projects demonstrates the government’s dedication to providing efficient and accessible public transportation options for the people of Mumbai. As these projects progress, they promise to bring relief to the city’s commuters and contribute to a more connected and accessible Mumbai.