Maharashtra Government has constituted a high-level committee to explore the merger of all metro rail agencies operating within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The move aims to eliminate overlapping responsibilities, improve coordination, and streamline metro operations across the region.
According to a Government Resolution issued by the Urban Development Department, the committee will study the feasibility of merging multiple agencies under a single entity to ensure unified governance of Mumbai’s expanding metro network. The panel is expected to submit its recommendations within three months. The committee will be chaired by the Metropolitan Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and will include senior representatives from Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha Metro), CIDCO, and the Urban Development Department.
An official said the fragmented institutional structure currently hampers coordination among various agencies responsible for planning, construction, and operation. “Each metro corridor is being managed by a separate authority, leading to inefficiencies and delays. A unified system would enable standardisation in operations, technology, and commuter services,” the official noted. The committee will prepare a detailed roadmap for integration, covering aspects such as asset transfer, valuation, staffing, and regulatory approvals. It will also evaluate international models — such as London’s Transport for London (TfL) and Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) — where city transport systems operate under a single governing framework.
Industry observers view the move as a crucial step towards achieving a seamless commuter experience. Once implemented, the merger could simplify ticketing systems, improve last-mile connectivity, and create a common operational framework for maintenance, safety, and sustainability standards. Transport planners emphasise that integrated metro management is essential to achieving Mumbai’s long-term urban mobility goals. With over 300 kilometres of metro lines planned or under construction, a consolidated structure could accelerate decision-making and align the metro network with the city’s broader sustainability objectives — including reduced vehicular emissions and equitable urban access.
The merger, if executed effectively, could mark a turning point in Mumbai’s transition towards a world-class, sustainable urban transport ecosystem. It represents a move not only towards efficiency but also towards more inclusive, commuter-focused city planning — ensuring that the benefits of modern transit infrastructure reach every part of the metropolitan region.
Also Read: Mumbai Prioritises BDD Chawl Redevelopment, Announces Fresh Metro Timelines
