Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro Line-4 (Wadala to Kasarvadavali) project has witnessed a significant setback, with a cost escalation of ₹1,274.80 crore and a five-year delay. This alarming revelation was made by RTI activist Anil Galgali, who obtained the details through an RTI query, highlighting inefficiencies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) project management.
The 32.32 km elevated metro route, connecting Wadala to Kasarvadavali with 30 stations, was originally slated for completion in July 2021. However, the new deadline has been pushed to August 2026. The construction work was awarded on April 12, 2018, to two contractors — RInfra-ASTALDI and CHEC-TPL.
Cost Overrun and Accountability
The initial estimated cost of construction for the project was ₹2,632.25 crore. With the latest increase, the total expenditure now stands at ₹3,907.05 crore. Despite this massive cost escalation and prolonged delay, no penal action has been taken against the responsible contractors or authorities.
RTI activist Anil Galgali has demanded strict punitive measures against those responsible for the mismanagement. “The lack of accountability and inefficiency in project execution have severely impacted Mumbai’s development. Such negligence cannot go unpunished,” he stated.
Importance of Metro Line-4
Once completed, Metro Line-4 will enhance interconnectivity between critical transport corridors, including the Eastern Express Highway, Central Railway, Monorail, and other metro lines such as Metro-2B (DN Nagar to Mandale), Metro-5 (Thane to Kalyan), and Metro-6 (Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli).
However, Galgali expressed concern over the delay, calling it detrimental to Mumbaikars’ needs. “The government and MMRDA must be held accountable for the cost escalation and delays, as such inefficiencies jeopardize public services,” he added.
Call for Action
Galgali has urged the authorities to expedite the project and ensure accountability by imposing penalties on contractors and officials responsible for the delays. With Mumbai’s growing population and increasing transportation demands, the timely completion of infrastructure projects like Metro Line-4 is critical to the city’s development.
The delay and cost overrun of this vital project have raised serious questions about the MMRDA’s management and the state government’s oversight. Citizens and activists alike await decisive action to prevent similar issues in future infrastructure projects.
