July 9, 2025: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has reported a significant increase in workforce deployment at key Metro construction sites over the past fortnight. Labour strength on under-construction sections of Metro Lines 2B, 4, 4A and 9 has risen by 17 % to 37% , following the implementation of a stringent manpower mobilisation policy.
The move comes in response to persistent manpower shortages that had been hampering progress at several Metro sites. To address the delays, MMRDA introduced a policy mandating contractors to maintain minimum labour deployment thresholds. Under the new guidelines, contractors face financial penalties of Rs 1 lakh per day for workforce shortfalls between 25% and 50%, and Rs 2 lakh per day for deficiencies exceeding 50%. Additional penalties apply for failure to meet project milestone dates.
MMRDA officials said the policy has started yielding results, particularly along high-priority sections of Metro Line 4. “Contracting firm RAJV-MILAN has recruited 60 migrant workers from Odisha and 40 from Uttar Pradesh. An additional 150 workers from Uttar Pradesh are expected to arrive in the coming week,” a senior official confirmed.
Prior to this intervention, several Metro packages were witnessing either stagnating or declining workforce numbers, raising alarm over potential project delays—especially on corridors nearing trial runs and partial openings.
The mobilisation policy forms part of a broader push by MMRDA to fast-track Mumbai’s mass transit infrastructure. With mounting pressure to meet revised deadlines, the authority’s labour-focused approach aims to stabilise progress and avoid further slippage.
Officials indicated that similar policies could be extended to other Metro corridors if positive results continue. The authority views the timely completion of Metro projects as a key component of easing urban congestion and enhancing city-wide connectivity.
Source: The Indian Express
