MMRDA Seeks Additional Land for Line 6 Depot Expansion

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is forging ahead with plans to enhance metro connectivity in Mumbai, with a particular focus on the construction of a depot for Line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar-Vikhroli) line.

In a bid to facilitate the seamless operation of the metro network, MMRDA has sought an additional 7 hectares of land at Kanjurmarg to address potential congestion issues and ensure optimal planning of the depot layout. Currently in possession of 15 hectares of land at Kanjurmarg for the depot, MMRDA believes that securing additional land will enable them to design and implement an efficient depot infrastructure. Recognising the significance of proper space utilisation and future expansion needs, the authority has approached the state government to fulfil this requirement.

The move comes as part of MMRDA’s broader strategy to bolster metro infrastructure across Mumbai. In February, the state cabinet endorsed a proposal to acquire 283.4 acres of salt pan land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing urban development initiatives. To expedite construction efforts, MMRDA has greenlit the appointment of Sam India Buildwell for the depot construction at Kanjurmarg, earmarking a budget of Rs 509 crore for the project. The scope of work encompasses various essential components such as building the boundary wall, earthwork filling, workshop construction, and the establishment of an Operations and Control Centre (OCC).

Moreover, the depot infrastructure is strategically designed to accommodate initial operations while catering to future expansion plans. With provisions made to accommodate up to 13 rakes by 2031, the project underscores MMRDA’s forward-looking approach to meet evolving transportation demands in Mumbai. As construction progresses, MMRDA has initiated tendering processes for the procurement of essential components, including rakes, communication systems, and depot machinery. A total of 18 rakes, each comprising six cars, are slated for deployment, underscoring the authority’s commitment to delivering efficient and reliable metro services to the city’s residents. The efforts to secure additional land for Line 6 depot expansion align with MMRDA’s overarching objective of enhancing metro infrastructure to meet the growing transportation needs of Mumbai’s populace.