Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has come under scrutiny for its unconventional rainproofing approach at the under-construction stations of Metro Line 3.
In response to growing criticism and viral visuals of plastic sheets covering station entrances, the agency has clarified that the use of tarpaulin is a deliberate and standard monsoon safety practice.The controversy erupted after photos surfaced showing entry and exit points of the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) Metro station draped in blue plastic. This followed heavy rains last month that caused flooding at Acharya Atre Chowk station, part of the newly operational stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3. Critics questioned the preparedness of the Rs 37,000 crore underground metro corridor, raising doubts about the integrity of its drainage systems and flood resilience.
However, MMRCL Managing Director Ashwini Bhide took to social media to set the record straight. “Some entry exits of Metro Line 3 which are under construction are covered with rainproof material as part of the usual practice being followed by construction sites during Mumbai’s monsoon. This ensures construction continues safely even during rains,” Bhide explained.She clarified that the plastic-covered entry point at BKC is part of an interchange with the upcoming Metro Line 2B, which remains under construction. “The glass façade work is ongoing inside the entry/exit. The plastic sheet is temporary and will be removed once the structure is sealed,” she added. The entry in question is a critical node intended to offer seamless paid-to-paid connectivity between the underground Metro Line 3 and the elevated Line 2, serving commuters from Dahisar, Andheri, and key financial districts like Mantralaya and Cuffe Parade.
While MMRCL maintains that all station pumps are operational and bund walls are being constructed to manage runoff, citizen feedback indicates otherwise. Some commuters have noted that certain station interiors are already showing signs of dampness and dirt accumulation. Others raised concerns about internet connectivity and inadequate last-mile access to the stations.Despite these concerns, MMRCL has stressed that the infrastructure is still in a transitional phase and that long-term solutions are being implemented. A temporary RCC retaining wall is also under construction at affected locations to prevent future water ingress similar to the May 26 incident, which had triggered emergency drainage measures at multiple stations.
While Metro 3 is one of Mumbai’s most ambitious efforts to cut emissions and reduce road congestion, its public reception has been mixed in recent weeks. The project’s success hinges not just on its engineering, but also on its ability to reassure the public that safety and quality are not being compromised for deadlines.
In a city where the monsoon tests even the most robust infrastructure, public transport systems must reflect both innovation and accountability. The plastic coverings, though temporary, have come to symbolise broader concerns about how India’s infrastructure adapts to climate realities without compromising on long-term urban mobility goals.
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