Amidst mounting concerns over transparency and fiscal prudence, a recent acquisition deal struck between the Mumbai Metro Blue Line 1 and the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) has stirred controversy, with allegations surfacing of potential losses amounting to Rs 1,600 crore to the Maharashtra state exchequer.
These revelations, brought to light by a vigilant RTI activist, underscore a pressing need for public scrutiny and accountability in matters of public infrastructure development. The contentious deal, reportedly endorsed by the Maharashtra government, pertains to the acquisition of Mumbai Metro Blue Line 1, the city’s inaugural Metro project, which was established under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model in 2007. At the heart of the controversy lies the valuation of Reliance Infrastructure’s stake in the Metro Line 1, estimated at a staggering Rs 4,000 crore, a figure that has raised eyebrows and triggered demands for greater transparency and disclosure. According to documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Reliance Infrastructure initiated the acquisition process by submitting a proposal to MMRDA in July 2020. The Metro project, structured with a 70:30 equity distribution, incurred a total cost of Rs 2,355 crore. However, the recent valuation discrepancy, coupled with the lack of public disclosure and consultation, has fuelled apprehensions regarding the deal’s implications for public funds and governance integrity.
The RTI activist, aggrieved by the MMRDA’s reluctance to divulge crucial documents related to the acquisition, has sounded the alarm bells, calling for transparency and public consultation before further approvals are granted. The activist’s concerns highlight broader issues of accountability and governance transparency in public-private partnerships and infrastructure development projects. As stakeholders and citizens await clarity and accountability from the concerned authorities, the controversy surrounding the Mumbai Metro acquisition deal underscores the imperative for robust oversight mechanisms and adherence to due process in matters of public interest. The Maharashtra state exchequer’s potential loss of Rs 1,600 crore underscores the gravity of the situation and emphasises the need for greater vigilance and public participation in shaping the trajectory of urban infrastructure development in Mumbai and beyond.
