Mumbai Metro Line-4 Faces Rs 1,274 Crore Overrun, 5-Year Delay
The Mumbai Metro Line-4 project, which will connect Wadala to Kasarvadavali, has encountered significant setbacks, with construction costs escalating by a staggering ₹1,274.80 crore. Initially estimated at ₹2,632.25 crore, the project now faces a severe budgetary strain, and its completion has been delayed by five years. This information was revealed through a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by activist Anil Galgali, shedding light on the challenges and administrative inefficiencies plaguing the project.
The construction contract for the 32.32-km elevated corridor was awarded to a consortium of RInfra-ASTALDI and CHEC-TPL on 12th April 2018. The corridor, which is set to feature 30 stations, was initially scheduled for completion by July 2021. However, the revised deadline has been extended to August 2026, raising concerns about the lack of accountability and oversight by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Activist Anil Galgali has criticised the MMRDA for its mishandling of the project, particularly pointing out the absence of any punitive measures despite the significant cost overruns and delays. “The lack of timely completion and the ballooning costs reflect serious lapses in planning and execution,” he said, stressing the importance of taking punitive action to hold responsible parties accountable. Galgali also expressed concern over the financial burden this escalation represents on public resources, calling for greater transparency in the handling of public infrastructure projects.
Metro Line-4 is designed to enhance urban connectivity in Mumbai by linking key transit points, including the Eastern Express Highway, Central Railway, and several other important metro lines. The line will integrate with Metro Line 2B (DN Nagar to Mandale), Metro Line 5 (Thane to Kalyan), and Metro Line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli). However, Galgali warned that the prolonged delay poses risks to the commuting experience of millions of Mumbaikars, undermining the potential benefits of the metro network. The cost overrun, which has pushed the project’s budget to nearly 50 percent more than initially planned, has led to increasing scrutiny of the MMRDA’s handling of the project. Public demands for transparency and accountability are growing as the city grapples with worsening traffic congestion and an urgent need for improved public transportation options.
In light of the mounting concerns, Galgali has reiterated his call for a thorough investigation into the reasons behind the delays and cost overruns. He has called on the government and MMRDA to take responsibility and implement strict accountability measures to prevent similar issues from affecting future infrastructure projects in Mumbai. As the project continues to face delays, Mumbai’s residents anxiously await the completion of Metro Line-4, a crucial component in alleviating the city’s transportation woes and providing an efficient commuting alternative.
