Construction on the eastern stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli) has been temporarily halted as a few pillars on the JVLR section undergo demolition. Officials confirmed that the realignment follows the relocation of the Metro 6 car depot from its originally planned site near Kanjurmarg to a northern adjacent plot. The redesign has necessitated structural adjustments to ensure seamless connectivity between the viaduct and the new depot.
The 15.31-km Pink Line, being implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) at an estimated cost of ₹6,700 crore, has faced multiple setbacks since construction began in 2017. While the project’s initial deadline was 2021, delays have accumulated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing litigation regarding the Kanjurmarg depot in the Bombay High Court, and complex engineering challenges. “Originally, cantilever and portal piers were designed to connect the viaduct to the Kanjurmarg depot. With the depot’s relocation, some piers require redesign while still utilising existing foundations within structural safety norms,” an MMRDA official stated. The demolition work commenced last week, though the exact number of pillars needing reconstruction has not been disclosed. Engineers are ensuring that all redesigned structures comply with rigorous safety and design standards.
The depot relocation stems from a state government initiative in 2023 to allocate a new 15-hectare plot to MMRDA, aimed at optimising operational efficiency and land use. Experts note that such structural revisions, although disruptive, are critical to maintaining long-term project resilience and operational viability, particularly for high-capacity urban metro corridors. Further delays in Metro 6 arose from contractual and procurement issues. In October 2023, MMRDA annulled tenders for rolling stock and fire safety systems after the documents failed to meet Central Vigilance Commission guidelines. Subsequently, in July 2025, construction firm NCC Ltd was awarded a ₹2,269-crore contract covering the design, manufacture, integration, and commissioning of rolling stock, signalling, telecom systems, platform screen doors, and depot machinery. NCC subcontracted the ₹1,598.55-crore rolling stock component to Titagarh Rail Systems Limited.
Industry analysts note that despite setbacks, Metro 6 remains a strategically vital corridor, connecting key eastern suburbs and offering sustainable, low-carbon public transit solutions. By ensuring rigorous adherence to modern engineering and safety standards, MMRDA aims to maintain passenger confidence and minimise environmental impact. While the demolition and realignment work will temporarily delay completion, officials emphasise that the project is progressing with a focus on structural integrity, safety, and long-term urban mobility benefits. Once operational, Metro 6 is expected to enhance connectivity across the eastern suburbs, reduce traffic congestion, and support equitable access to rapid transit.
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