In a setback to Mumbai’s infrastructural aspirations, the anticipated commissioning of the Mumbai Metro Pink Line 6 faces substantial delays due to hurdles in the procurement of essential rolling stock and the delayed initiation of the planned car shed at Kanjurmarg.
Despite significant progress in civil works, with completion reaching 75%, the absence of trains and the awaited establishment of the car shed have significantly impeded the project’s timeline. Initially slated for a 2024 unveiling, the public launch now stands deferred to 2026. The primary cause of delay stems from the cancellation of a comprehensive tender for the procurement of critical components, including rolling stock, in October 2023. The cancellation was prompted by non-compliance with international procurement standards and failure to meet regulatory norms. Consequently, re-tendering proceedings ensued, elongating the process. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) aims to acquire 108 standard-gauge cars for the Pink Line, a venture encompassing various critical tasks such as design, manufacture, supply, installation, integration, testing, and commissioning. Furthermore, the construction of the car shed has been hampered by land scarcity, with the existing 15-hectare plot proving insufficient. Efforts are underway to secure an additional seven hectares, a process that is anticipated to facilitate the commencement of shed construction. The awarded contract for land development has been secured by Sam India Builtwell, signalling a step forward in this aspect.
Once tenders for rolling stock are finalised, the actual delivery is estimated to span between six to nine months. Similarly, work on the car shed, expected to commence imminently, is projected to take 30 months for completion. Despite these setbacks, the Mumbai Metro Pink Line 6 remains a significant infrastructural endeavour, boasting 13 stations primarily aligned along the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road’s median. Interchanges with existing metro lines further enhance its connectivity, promising an integrated transportation network for the city’s denizens. With a construction cost of Rs. 6,716 crores, funded in part by the National Development Bank, the Pink Line 6 embodies modernity with features such as an integrated ticketing system, elevator access, and enhanced accessibility provisions for the differently-abled and senior citizens. As Mumbai awaits the fruition of this ambitious project, meticulous efforts are imperative to navigate the prevailing challenges and ensure the timely delivery of this vital infrastructural asset.
