December 4, 2025: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has issued a public notice mandating that all buildings within 50 metres of the underground Metro Line 3 alignment must obtain formal approval before carrying out any redevelopment, demolition, excavation or construction activity. The directive aims to safeguard the 33-km Aqua Line stretching from Cuffe Parade to Aarey Colony, where extensive tunnelling runs below densely built neighbourhoods.
The notice, released on November 30, 2025, states that all structures falling within the 50-metre influence zone must seek clearance from the Director (Planning and Real Estate), MMRC. According to the corporation, any development activity near Metro infrastructure must follow specific safety protocols to prevent damage to the tunnels or accidents around construction sites.
The public notice emphasised that “ensuring the safety of pedestrians and commuters is of utmost importance, particularly from potential accidents such as falling construction equipment, toppling pile rigs, or collapsing scaffolding/shuttering during construction activities, etc.” MMRC added that developers must follow operational safety guidelines, including routine inspection of equipment, to minimise construction-related hazards.
Interest from developers in undertaking Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) along the Aqua Line has grown significantly. As per a Hindustan Times report, MMRC has received 31 queries from 13 developers in the past 18 months seeking higher Floor Space Index under the TOD scheme. Major firms such as K Raheja Corp, Prestige Group, Suraj Estate Developers, and Valor Estate have shown interest in availing additional development rights.
The Maharashtra Urban Development Department amended the Development Plan in 2024 to introduce TOD provisions along the corridor. The policy allows a maximum FSI of five within 500 metres of 10 stations on the Aqua Line, along with 35% fungible FSI for rehabilitation projects. Projects approved under this framework may also receive direct subway connectivity to metro stations.
Source: Hindustan Times
