Mumbai’s Metro Line 6 has moved into the final stages of construction with most civil work completed, yet unresolved land acquisition and legal disputes at three critical locations continue to delay the completion of the east-west rapid transit corridor. While authorities remain committed to commencing operations in 2027, the pending issues underscore the persistent challenge of securing urban land for large-scale infrastructure projects in densely developed metropolitan regions. The Mumbai Metro Line 6 corridor, which will connect Swami Samarth Nagar in Lokhandwala with Vikhroli, has achieved approximately 88 per cent physical progress. However, construction remains incomplete at a proposed station in Jogeshwari, a key viaduct segment in Kanjurmarg and the project’s permanent maintenance depot, all of which depend on unresolved land-related clearances.
One of the most significant bottlenecks involves the planned metro station at Shyam Nagar in Jogeshwari. Although elevated structures supporting the station have already been constructed, work on the station itself cannot begin until statutory land acquisition is completed. The site falls within a previously designated no-development zone and also includes informal settlements that will require rehabilitation before construction can proceed. Officials indicate that the proposal has entered the final stages of government approval. A second constraint lies at the junction of the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road and the Eastern Express Highway, where a short but strategically important section of the viaduct remains unfinished. The alignment requires additional land to install supporting piers for a critical turning section of the elevated corridor. The parcel has been subject to long-standing ownership litigation, limiting construction activity despite the project’s advanced stage. Authorities have secured provisional possession for infrastructure purposes but continue to seek judicial approval before commencing work within the disputed area. The third pending component is the permanent depot planned at Kanjurmarg, a facility essential for train maintenance, stabling and operational management.
Although broader ownership disputes surrounding the land have reportedly been addressed, physical possession has yet to be transferred, preventing construction from beginning. Transit planners note that while temporary maintenance arrangements could allow passenger services to commence, the absence of a dedicated depot may reduce operational flexibility during the initial years of service. The Mumbai Metro Line 6 project is expected to improve connectivity between the western and eastern suburbs, integrating with several existing and proposed metro corridors while reducing dependence on private vehicles. Transport experts view the line as an important step towards creating a more connected, lower-emission public transport network capable of supporting Mumbai’s long-term mobility needs. Urban infrastructure specialists observe that delays arising from land acquisition remain one of the most significant risks to major transport projects across Indian cities. Beyond construction costs, prolonged legal proceedings can affect project scheduling, financing and network integration.
As Metro Line 6 approaches completion, resolving the remaining land issues will be critical not only for meeting operational timelines but also for ensuring that Mumbai’s expanding metro network delivers reliable, sustainable and efficient public transport for a growing urban population.
