After being stalled for six years, a crucial breakthrough has been achieved for Mumbai Metro Line 4, as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has secured land for the long-pending Laxmi Nagar station in Vikhroli East. This marks the last remaining station on the under-construction corridor, bringing the project closer to completion.
The 32.32-km elevated route already has all other stations constructed, making this acquisition of a 16,762 sq m plot a significant milestone. The project is now targeting full operations by 2027.
The land, previously owned by Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd, had been under negotiation since 2019. However, the process faced legal and procedural challenges. In 2021, MMRDA issued a notice under Section 299 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, but it was later withdrawn after the company obtained relief from the Bombay High Court, citing the absence of a designated road in the Development Plan.
“The company was able to obtain a stay on the notice from the Bombay High Court, and MMRDA retracted the notice,” said an official.
With negotiations failing, the authority proceeded under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013. The process took time due to the high valuation—over Rs 167 crore—and the need for multiple government approvals.
“When the cost of land acquisition goes over Rs 100 crore, approvals have to be taken from the state government. The chain of command is long, hence any query raised travels the entire loop to be answered. This adds to the time taken,” the official said.
The land has been acquired for Rs 164.31 crore, with Rs 157.7 crore already paid. Possession was handed over on March 30. Construction of the Laxmi Nagar station, viaduct, and access road is expected to begin soon, with surveys currently in progress.
Only a small 200 sq m plot in Bhandup remains pending, likely to be resolved shortly. Once complete, Metro Line 4 is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Thane and Mumbai while easing congestion along the eastern corridor.
Source: The Indian Express
