In a decisive move towards advancing the Mumbai Metro 6 project, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has given the nod to the commencement of work on the crucial Kanjurmarg Depot. The authority, on Wednesday, officially appointed Sam India Buildwell as the contractor for the project, following their successful bid for the development at a cost of Rs 509 crore.
An MMRDA official confirmed the approval by the executive committee, stating, “The executive committee has approved the appointment of Sam India Buildwell for the Kanjurmarg Line 6 depot at a cost of Rs 509 crore.” The formal issuance of a letter of acceptance to the contractor is imminent, pending the finalisation of minutes from the requisite meeting, marking the initiation of the 30-month deadline for depot construction.
Scheduled to commence between May and June, the construction activity at the 15-hectare plot will encompass essential elements such as a boundary wall, earthwork filling, workshop construction, inspection bay establishment, stabling lines development, an automatic washing plant, and an Operations and Control Centre (OCC). The OCC will function as the central command hub, overseeing and coordinating all operational decisions regarding the Metro 6 system. According to the detailed project report (DPR), the depot infrastructure has been designed initially to accommodate one set of eight cars. Plans include stabling lines for 11 rakes, with provisions for future expansion to cater to up to 13 rakes by 2031. MMRDA has already initiated tenders for procuring essential components such as rakes, communication-based train control (CBTC), telecom systems, platform screen doors, and depot machinery.
The 16km elevated Metro 6 line, connecting Jogeshwari to Vikhroli via the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), is a crucial addition to Mumbai’s transit network, intersecting above railway tracks on both Central and Western Railways. Commuters eagerly await progress on the Line 6 depot, recognising its pivotal role in facilitating seamless operations and alleviating congestion. The appointment of the contractor is seen as a positive step towards ensuring the timely completion of this essential infrastructure project.
