June 17, 2025: In a significant step towards enhancing Mumbai’s metro infrastructure, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has acquired 174 hectares of land in Mogharpada, Thane, to develop the city’s largest integrated metro car depot. This facility will function as the central operational hub for Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11, which together span a network of 56 kilometres from CSMT to Mira Road.
The Rs 905 crore construction contract has been awarded to SEW–VSE JV, with work scheduled to begin immediately. The depot will include 64 stabling lines and 20 maintenance lines, along with automated train washing systems and heavy maintenance bays. It will also house centralised control centres to manage day-to-day operations. These facilities are designed to ensure the smooth functioning of the metro network through regular inspections, testing, and major overhauls, particularly during non-peak hours.
Metro Lines 4 and 4A, connecting Wadala to Kasarvadavali and Gaimukh, are expected to serve more than 1.2 million commuters daily. The improved connectivity is projected to reduce travel time by up to 50 percent. Once complete, the Mogharpada depot will also support the future Metro Lines 10 and 11, significantly enhancing connectivity in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai and the adjoining Thane region.
MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee described the depot as a cornerstone in Mumbai’s journey towards a more commuter-centric and connected future.
To ensure a smooth land acquisition process, the MMRDA adopted a farmer-first model inspired by CIDCO. Under this approach, 22.5 % of the land will be returned to leaseholder farmers as developed plots, while 12.5 percent has been allocated to encroachers along with access to roads and infrastructure. Two public hearings were held, drawing active participation from farmers and local authorities. So far, 198 offer letters have been issued under this model.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the project as a landmark initiative that will accelerate the state’s goal of building sustainable, multimodal transport systems for Mumbai.
Source: Trak.in
