July 23, 2025: The construction of Mumbai Metro Line 11—stretching from Wadala to the Gateway of India—is expected to affect 2,208 trees, as per the draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report released by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL). These trees will either be cut down or transplanted to make way for the upcoming 17.5 km fully underground corridor.
“Compensatory afforestation, transplantation and other mitigation measures will be undertaken as per statutory guidelines,” MMRCL officials stated. The agency has also invited public feedback on the report, with the deadline set for August 20.
Although Metro Line 11 is underground, the project will require surface-level infrastructure, including entry and exit points for stations, ventilation shafts, and various ancillary structures. The report highlights that most of the trees likely to be affected are located around station construction sites and at the Anik Depot.
The route will feature 14 stations, with Anik Depot being the only one above ground. This station will also house the operations and maintenance depot for the line.
The project has been categorised as “Category A,” which means it is likely to cause significant environmental and social impacts. While metro rail projects are typically exempt from requiring environmental clearance under the 2006 EIA notification, this particular alignment runs through parts of the coastal regulation zone (CRZ), making special permissions necessary.
The draft EIA underlines the need for additional scrutiny and approvals due to the potential environmental sensitivity of the areas being impacted. The final clearance and mitigation plans will depend on public suggestions and subsequent regulatory assessments.
Source: The Times of India
