July 23, 2025: As Mumbai prepares for the full launch of the 33.5 km Aqua Line 3 in August, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has submitted a proposal for another underground metro line—Line 11. The corporation has shared the detailed project report (DPR) with the Maharashtra government, seeking approval for the 17.5 km route stretching from Anik Depot to the Gateway of India.
Line 11, part of the city’s green metro corridor, will pass through high-density areas including Nagpada and Bhendi Bazaar. Like the Aqua Line, this corridor will be mostly underground, with only one ground-level station planned at Anik Depot.
A senior MMRCL official said the proposal is currently with the state government. “Once cleared, it will be forwarded to the Union government,” the official said. As per standard procedure, feasibility reports are submitted to the Urban Development Department (UDD), and subsequent approvals are required from the Union Ministry of Urban Development. The project will then move towards securing funds, obtaining environmental clearances, and inviting bids from infrastructure firms.
Initial plans include six-coach trains and a 16-hectare depot at the Anik-Pratiksha Nagar BEST bus depot, enabling integration with city bus services. Line 11 will intersect with multiple transport systems—Metro Line 4 (Wadala–Thane–Kasarvadavli), the Aqua Line (Cuffe Parade–BKC–JVLR), the Monorail, and suburban rail stations like Byculla and CSMT.
Of the 13 proposed stations, eight will be constructed using the cut-and-cover method. At the same time, the remaining five will be built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method, which relies on natural rock stability.
MMRCL estimates daily ridership of 5.8 lakh commuters by 2031, increasing to 8.69 lakh by 2041. Timelines for bidding and construction will be announced after necessary approvals are in place.
Source: Construction World
