Construction of the proposed Mogharpada Metro depot in Thane remains stalled nearly a year after key legal clearances, with protesting farmers now preparing to approach the Supreme Court of India. The delay continues despite the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority having taken possession of over 174 hectares of land more than two years ago.
Envisioned as the largest Metro depot in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the facility is planned to support multiple corridors—Lines 4, 4A, 10 and 11—linking Wadala, Kasarvadavali, Gaimukh, Mira Road and South Mumbai. It is also designed as a monetised hub, integrating operational infrastructure with commercial and retail components to generate non-fare revenue.
However, progress on-site has been negligible due to continued resistance from 198 farmers who claim long-standing cultivation rights over the land. The dispute dates back to 2018, when acquisition began and large portions of the land were under paddy cultivation. Of these farmers, 167 were recognised as Class-2 (leasehold) cultivators in 1967, while 31 were classified as encroachers.
“While our forefathers cultivated this land for decades, the government formally recognised us as lessees in 1967,” said Rakesh Patil, a farmer from Owala village.
Officials maintain that the land falls under the Collector’s jurisdiction and was allotted for cultivation partly to prevent encroachment. The core dispute centres on the difference between leasehold and freehold rights. Compensation is currently being offered under City and Industrial Development Corporation norms—22.5% developed land for recognised cultivators and 12.5% for encroachers. Farmers have rejected this, seeking monetary compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
“As farmers, developed land is of little use to us,” Patil said. “We need compensation that allows us to buy agricultural land elsewhere and sustain our livelihoods.”
After moving the Bombay High Court in 2024, farmers saw their plea dismissed in June 2025, with the court citing public interest. Environmental clearance followed in October, and a proposal to convert rehabilitation plots to freehold status was made in November, though the state is yet to decide.
Meanwhile, farmers remain firm on their demands and are likely to escalate the matter legally. Although interim maintenance facilities may support early Metro operations, the absence of the depot could limit train frequency initially. A separate delay also persists for the Kanjurmarg depot linked to Metro Line 6, which awaits land transfer from the Centre.
Source: The Indian Express
