Metro 2B Project Faces ₹248 Crore Overrun
Mumbai’s Metro Line 2B, which links DN Nagar to Mandale, has witnessed a significant cost escalation of ₹248 crore, with the total construction expenditure now reaching ₹3,304.83 crore. This development, revealed through an RTI response obtained by activist Anil Galgali from the Metro Project Implementation Branch, has raised fresh concerns over the persistent delays and financial overruns plaguing the project.
The Metro 2B project is divided into four distinct segments, each experiencing setbacks that have necessitated extensions and incurred penalties. The first segment, running from DN Nagar to BKC and awarded to J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd under Package C101, was originally slated for completion by 27 November 2023. However, due to delays, the deadline has been extended to 30 June 2025. The initial cost of ₹1,307.88 crore for this segment has surged by ₹55.54 crore, while the contractor has faced a delay penalty of ₹1.36 lakh. The second segment, from BKC to Chembur Diamond Garden under Package C102 and awarded to NCC Ltd on 2 May 2022, was set to finish by 1 May 2025. Although an extension has been granted, the revised timeline remains ambiguous. The segment currently stands at a cost of ₹759.67 crore, with a penalty of ₹14.99 lakh imposed for delays.
The third segment, covering the stretch from Chembur Diamond Garden to Mandale under Package CA7 and allocated to NCC Ltd on 17 January 2019, initially had a deadline of 16 July 2021. Repeated delays have now pushed its completion date to 30 June 2025. The cost estimate of ₹458.93 crore for this section has escalated by ₹122.77 crore, alongside a fine of ₹29.58 lakh levied on the contractor. The final segment, concerning the Mandale Carshed under Package CA14 and awarded to Ahluwalia India Limited on 17 January 2019, was also originally due by 16 July 2021. With an extended deadline now set for 30 June 2025, the cost has increased by ₹69.68 crore from its original estimate of ₹530.32 crore, with a penalty of ₹10.97 lakh due to delays.
Activist Anil Galgali has criticised the frequent cost overruns and setbacks, attributing them to poor planning and project management. He has called on the government to implement corrective measures urgently, emphasising that an efficient metro network is essential for easing Mumbai’s commuter woes and supporting the city’s broader urban mobility agenda. With the Metro 2B project facing mounting financial and operational challenges, the authorities are under increasing pressure to deliver a timely and cost-effective solution to bolster Mumbai’s transport infrastructure.
