November 05, 2025: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has scrapped its plan to construct a Metro 9 car depot at Uttan-Dongri following sustained protests from residents. Officials confirmed the decision on Tuesday (4 November), as reported by the Hindustan Times. The authority will now revise its strategy for the 11.38-km Dahisar East–Mira Bhayandar corridor.
Under the new plan, Metro 9 rakes will be housed at the Charkop depot, which currently services Metro Lines 2A (Dahisar East–Andheri West) and 7 (Dahisar East–Gundavali).
“Respecting the public sentiments and their opposition to the car depot, we have decided not to proceed with the creation of a metro car depot at Uttan-Dongri,” a senior MMRDA official told HT. “We have almost finalised an alternative plan on car depots for the multiple metro routes that are ready and in the works.”
The decision comes after months of protests by residents of Uttan and nearby villages, who opposed the felling of over 11,000 trees for the project. Earlier this year, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation had approved the removal of 1,406 trees on World Environment Day (June 5), prompting widespread demonstrations.
MMRDA had identified the 59.65-hectare Uttan-Dongri site in 2024 after abandoning an earlier plan in Rai and Morva villages due to similar resistance. However, locals again raised concerns over ecological damage and threats to livelihoods.
Uttan resident and former councillor Sharmila Bagaji said, “If the government is shelving the plans, it brings a big relief to us, and it is the collective people’s efforts that have been heard.”
The Rs 733-crore depot contract, awarded to a Rithwik Projects–Soma Enterprise joint venture, will now be terminated. Trial runs for Metro 9 will continue from Charkop, with passenger services on the Dahisar East–Kashigaon stretch expected to begin by December.
Source: Swarajya
