Thane Metro Route Delayed, Project Costs Rise by Rs. 63 Crore.

Work on the Kasarwadavli-Gaimukh Metro 4A route, initially set to be completed by March 2024, has now been delayed until April 2025, leading to an increase in project costs by Rs 63 crore, according to a response from the MMRDA to an RTI query. The project, originally approved at a cost of Rs 440 crore, is facing challenges that have caused the delay.

Mumbai-based activist Anil Galgali, who filed the RTI query, raised concerns after witnessing heavy traffic jams on the Ghodbunder Road due to the ongoing Metro construction, which has caused significant commuter inconvenience. Galgali expressed frustration over the prolonged timeline and sought clarity on the project's progress.

The MMRDA’s reply confirmed that work orders for the 2.7 km route were issued in September 2019, with an initial completion deadline of March 2024. However, the completion date has now been extended to April 2025. The contractor has been fined Rs 22 lakh, though the MMRDA did not specify the reasons for the delay.

The Kasarwadavli-Gaimukh Metro 4A route is part of a larger 56 km Metro corridor linking CSMT to Mira Road in four phases. The line includes the Wadala-Kasarwadavli (Line 4) and the Gaimukh extension (Line 4A), which will ultimately connect to Shivaji Chowk in Mira Road (Line 10). The project is expected to enhance connectivity between South Mumbai and the suburbs, providing interchanges along the way.

ET