Mumbai’s much-anticipated Metro Line 6, also known as the Pink Line, faces potential delays in meeting its projected 2027 completion deadline due to three persistent land acquisition disputes. Despite achieving an impressive 88 percent physical progress on the 15.3-kilometer east-west corridor, critical work remains stalled at key locations, casting uncertainty over its operational start.
Land Acquisition Hurdles Plague Key Development Areas
Officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have confirmed that land acquisition efforts at three critical sites have been underway for at least three years. These include the proposed Shyam Nagar station in Jogeshwari, a vital missing viaduct section at the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR)-Eastern Express Highway (EEH) junction in Kanjurmarg, and the designated Metro Line 6 depot also in Kanjurmarg. The resolution of these disputes is paramount for the project’s timely completion.
At the Shyam Nagar station site, while the viaduct and platform structures are already in place, the construction of the station itself has been halted pending land acquisition approvals from the state government. An MMRDA official explained that an initial proposal to dereserve approximately 5,000 square meters of land, which falls under a no-development zone, was rejected. The government directed the authority to acquire and dereserve only the minimum required area for the station, around 1,350 square meters, plus an additional 350 square meters for an entry-exit point across the road. However, subsequent attempts to re-engage with the landowners have yielded no response, prompting the MMRDA to initiate compulsory acquisition proceedings under Section 32 of the MMRDA Act, 1974. This proposal is reportedly in the final stages of approval by the state government.
Kanjurmarg Depot and JVLR Junction Remain Sticking Points
Similarly, the development of the Kanjurmarg depot, crucial for the operation and maintenance of the metro line, is entangled in land acquisition complexities. While the MMRDA has explored alternative maintenance arrangements, including an elevated eight-pit deck, to circumvent delays, the absence of a full-scale depot could impact operational efficiency and frequency in the initial phase. The JVLR-EEH junction in Kanjurmarg also presents a challenge, with a missing viaduct section hindering the seamless connectivity of the metro line.
Project Progress and Timeline Revisions
Metro Line 6, which is intended to connect Swami Samarth Nagar in Jogeshwari to Vikhroli, has seen significant progress in its civil engineering aspects. The line will feature 13 elevated stations and is designed to significantly reduce travel time between the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai. Construction on the line, with a total cost estimated at Rs 6,700 crore, commenced around 2017. While some reports suggested a completion target of late 2026 or mid-2026, the ongoing land acquisition issues now cast doubt on the 2027 deadline. The MMRDA has been working closely with Western Railway, achieving engineering feats such as launching large steel spans over active railway corridors without disrupting train services, showcasing the project’s technical capabilities despite these hurdles.
The Pink Line is designed to be a crucial artery for Mumbai’s public transportation, offering interchanges with other metro lines (Lines 2A, 3, 4, and 7) and suburban railway services. The successful resolution of the remaining land acquisition disputes is critical to realizing the full potential of Metro Line 6 and its contribution to easing Mumbai’s infamous traffic congestion.
The Chenab Times News Desk