July 22, 2025: In a decisive boost to Mumbai’s urban transport infrastructure, the Maharashtra government has approved a loan guarantee of Rs 36,000 crore for six major metro rail corridors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This move is expected to help the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) raise funds from leading international financial institutions to accelerate the construction of these critical lines.
Although not a direct financial loan, the guarantee allows MMRDA to approach agencies such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for project-specific funding. The state will act as guarantor, while MMRDA remains solely responsible for the repayment of the principal, interest, and associated charges. According to government officials, this arrangement is essential to secure lender confidence and ensure that project timelines remain on track without cost overruns.
The six metro lines covered under this guarantee include Metro Line 5 (Thane–Bhiwandi–Kalyan), Line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar–Jogeshwari–Vikhroli–Kanjurmarg), Line 9 (Dahisar East–Mira Bhayandar), Line 10 (Gaimukh–Shivaji Chowk, Mira Road), Line 11 (Wadala–CST), and a 3.3-km underground extension of Metro Line 7 to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport via Marol. These corridors are currently in various stages of construction and tendering.
Metro Lines 5 and 6 are especially vital for decongesting eastern and central suburbs, while Lines 9, 10 and 11 will enhance north-south connectivity. The Line 7 extension will offer direct underground access to the international airport from the western suburbs.
The loan guarantee comes as MMRDA faces rising costs and financing gaps. With the state stepping in as guarantor, it is expected that smoother financial closure and timely execution of these high-value infrastructure projects will now be possible.
Source: Prop Time News
