Mumbai is preparing a sweeping shift in how metro depot land is managed, with the state government examining plans to monetise nearly 100 hectares across the wider metropolitan region. The proposal, aimed at boosting non-fare revenue for the public transport system, signals a significant recalibration of land use policy in one of India’s most space-constrained urban areas.
According to senior officials, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has identified the 45-hectare Mogharpada site in Thane as the first location where commercial development may be permitted alongside operational infrastructure. The depot is intended to serve multiple corridors, including Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10 and 11, and sits adjacent to the alignment of the forthcoming Thane Coastal Road. The state government has directed the agency to explore a mixed-use model that could unlock long-term financial resilience for the metro network. The proposal comes at a time when cities globally are rethinking how underutilised public land can support transport funding without imposing higher fares. An official involved in the study said the Mogharpada layout has sufficient surplus area to accommodate commercial buildings without affecting depot operations. “The intent is to leverage land value in a way that strengthens public transport rather than burdening commuters,” the official noted, adding that feasibility assessments are under way.
Urban planning specialists say such initiatives must be approached with caution, especially in dense cities like Mumbai where access to affordable housing, open spaces and civic services remains limited. Several citizen groups have already flagged concerns that monetisation could prioritise private commercial interests over community amenities. They argue that public land, once leased or repurposed, rarely reverts to public use, making the need for transparent evaluation essential. Despite these apprehensions, industry experts believe the move could unlock substantial economic benefits. In their view, office-led development within depot premises could reduce pressure on crowded arterial roads by decentralising employment zones and creating new transit-oriented districts. With Mogharpada expected to house 64 trains along with maintenance facilities, its strategic location could attract high-grade commercial tenants while enabling a more balanced pattern of growth in the Thane region.
Public finance analysts add that diversifying revenue streams remains a critical requirement for Mumbai’s expanding metro system. Non-fare earnings—from advertising, retail and real estate—constitute a significant portion of funding for successful transit networks internationally. In a city aiming to build a more sustainable and equitable mobility ecosystem, tapping the latent value of publicly owned land could reduce the reliance on future fare increases. As the evaluation progresses, policymakers face the challenge of balancing commercial viability with public interest. A well-regulated model, experts say, could ensure that any monetisation is accompanied by provisions for public amenities, environmental safeguards and inclusive urban design. The Mogharpada pilot will likely shape how Mumbai deploys its limited land resources as the metro network continues to expand.
Maharashtra Plans Monetising Metro Depot Land To Boost Non Fare Revenue Ambitions
