The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) have highlighted significant financial and operational challenges in the much-anticipated Metro 3 project. According to a Right to Information (RTI) response from Yogendra Saxena, director (finance) at MMRCL, a staggering Rs 30,089 crore has been spent on the underground Metro construction from 2019 to August 31, 2024. This revelation comes amidst a backdrop of escalating costs and delays that have raised eyebrows among stakeholders and citizens alike.
Originally projected to cost Rs 21,000 crore and scheduled for commissioning in 2019, the total estimated expenditure has ballooned to Rs 37,276 crore as of July this year. This represents a cost escalation of Rs 2,857 crore attributable to civil systems, track, and rolling stock. Such financial overruns prompt urgent questions about budgeting practices and accountability within one of Mumbai’s flagship infrastructure projects. Activist Zoru Bhathena, who submitted RTI queries, highlighted discrepancies in the operational status of the project. MMRCL reported that the total track length for Phase I (from Aarey Colony to BKC) is 25.39 km, while Phase II (from Dharavi to Cuffe Parade) measures 41.8 km. However, as of the latest updates, only 21.79 km of the track has been energised. This raises concerns about the project’s readiness for operation and potential operational inefficiencies.
Bhathena remarked on the troubling gap in electrification, stating, “If electrification of the Up and Down sections is not complete, it is likely that trains will have to operate on a single track for part of the route. Why is MMRCL presenting a façade of completion for Phase I?” This situation underscores the communication challenges that MMRCL faces, as discrepancies between reported progress and actual status can erode public trust. Moreover, MMRCL has yet to address inquiries regarding the causes of cost escalations and the current status of electrification in Phase I. This lack of transparency raises further questions about the project’s governance and the effective use of taxpayer funds.
The implications of these delays and cost overruns extend beyond financial metrics; they impact the environment as well. The Metro 3 project is a key component of Mumbai’s strategy to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, promoting sustainable urban mobility. Any delays in its completion could thwart efforts to enhance public transport and mitigate the city’s environmental footprint. As stakeholders and citizens await further clarification from MMRCL, it is clear that accountability and transparency are paramount. The aspirations for a robust and efficient public transport system in Mumbai hinge on the successful execution of the Metro 3 project, which is crucial not only for commuters but also for the city’s broader sustainability goals.
