Godrej Vikhroli becomes second project to receive approval after Oberoi Mall; policy aims to boost Metro ridership while generating non-fare revenue
Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has begun implementing a policy framework that allows direct pedestrian connectivity between Metro stations and adjoining commercial and residential developments, a move aimed at improving last-mile connectivity, increasing Metro ridership and creating a sustainable source of non-fare revenue for the expanding Mumbai Metro network.
As part of this initiative, MMRDA has approved the construction of a dedicated Foot Over Bridge (FOB) linking a Metro Line 4 station with the Godrej commercial campus in Vikhroli. The bridge will enable employees and visitors to access the Metro station directly without crossing the busy Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road, reducing travel time, improving pedestrian safety and encouraging greater use of public transport.
The approval follows a similar direct connectivity arrangement between Metro Line 7 and Oberoi Mall, making the Godrej project the second private development to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) under MMRDA’s new policy.
Under the framework, commercial and residential developers seeking direct Metro access are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable development fee while bearing the entire cost of designing and constructing the connecting infrastructure. Developers must also pay supervision charges equivalent to six per cent of the total construction cost to MMRDA, which oversees technical integration, structural safety and compliance with Metro engineering standards.
MMRDA said every proposal undergoes detailed structural, technical and safety scrutiny before approval is granted.
Under the Godrej proposal, the authority has received a one-time development fee of ₹10 crore from Godrej & Boyce. The company will also finance the complete construction of the Foot Over Bridge, making the project a private investment that complements public transport infrastructure.
The authority is examining several similar proposals across the Metro network. Among the prominent projects under consideration is Bharat Diamond Bourse on Metro Line 2B. According to MMRDA, once implemented, the proposed direct connectivity could benefit nearly 40,000 commuters daily while reducing pedestrian congestion on surrounding roads.
The policy reflects a broader shift towards integrating large employment centres, commercial complexes and residential developments directly with Metro infrastructure. Urban transport experts have increasingly argued that seamless last-mile access is one of the most critical factors influencing public transport usage, particularly in densely populated metropolitan regions where commuters often rely on multiple modes of transport to complete a journey.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the policy is intended to improve commuter convenience while strengthening the financial sustainability of the Metro system. He said direct connectivity encourages greater Metro usage, leading to higher fare revenue, while the one-time development charges and other non-fare revenues help fund the long-term expansion and maintenance of the network without placing the entire financial burden on commuters.
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said the authority has been receiving encouraging responses from commercial establishments and residential developments seeking direct Metro connectivity. He noted that every proposal undergoes rigorous technical and safety evaluation before approval to ensure seamless integration with existing Metro infrastructure.
MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee said last-mile connectivity remains one of the most important determinants of public transport adoption. He said the policy enables Metro stations to integrate directly with major commercial and residential destinations while ensuring that the cost of such connectivity is borne by beneficiary institutions rather than public funds. According to him, the approach is expected to improve commuter experience, increase Metro ridership and strengthen the financial sustainability of the Mumbai Metro network.
As Mumbai’s Metro network continues to expand, the direct connectivity policy marks an evolving approach to urban transport planning—one that combines infrastructure integration, private sector participation and diversified revenue generation to improve the overall efficiency of public transit.
