HomeInfrastructureMetro Line 4 Faces Major Delays, Budget Surges to INR 3,907 Cr

Metro Line 4 Faces Major Delays, Budget Surges to INR 3,907 Cr

Metro Line 4 Faces Major Delays, Budget Surges to INR 3,907 Cr

Mumbai Metro Line 4, a key infrastructure project designed to enhance urban connectivity, has faced significant delays and budget overruns, now set for completion in August 2026—five years behind its original deadline of July 2021. According to an RTI revelation by activist Anil Galgali, the project’s cost has surged by INR 1,274.80 crore, escalating from an initial estimate of ₹2,632.25 crore to ₹3,907.05 crore.

The 32.32-kilometre elevated metro route, which spans 30 stations from Wadala to Kasarvadavali, is intended to link crucial transport nodes such as the Eastern Express Highway, Central Railway, Monorail, and several metro lines including 2B, 5, and 6. The line promises to significantly enhance urban mobility, but the persistent delays are frustrating commuters who were anticipating faster and more efficient travel across the city. The project, awarded in April 2018 to two contractors—RInfra-ASTALDI and CHEC-TPL—has been plagued by inefficiencies in project management, as highlighted by Galgali. His RTI application pointed out these administrative shortcomings and revealed a lack of accountability from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the agency overseeing the project. Galgali has called for an inquiry into the delays, as well as the cost overruns, demanding criminal action against those responsible for the mismanagement.

Despite the substantial delays and the significant increase in costs, no penalties have been levied on the contractors, according to Galgali’s findings. He criticised the MMRDA for failing to take adequate action and hold the contractors accountable for not meeting the deadlines and budget targets. The project is now over budget by 50 percent, a concerning trend for public resources, especially in a city already grappling with an infrastructure backlog. With an additional burden on public funds and no clear resolution in sight, there is growing public concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in such large-scale infrastructure projects. Galgali’s calls for a thorough inquiry have resonated with citizens who expect better governance and fiscal responsibility, particularly with such a high-profile metro project that is critical to easing the city’s traffic congestion. As Mumbai continues to expand, the city’s infrastructure development projects, including Metro Line 4, must be managed more effectively to avoid further delays and financial mismanagement, ensuring that taxpayer money is used wisely for the benefit of the public.

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