The Maharashtra government has granted approval for the diversion of 0.39 hectares (3,900 sq m) of mangrove forest land in Mogharpada, Thane, paving the way for the construction of an approach road and spur line connecting the proposed depot for Mumbai Metro Lines 4 and 4A. The clearance removes a key regulatory obstacle for the metro project and advances the development of critical support infrastructure.
The Revenue and Forest Department issued the approval on June 12, allowing the transfer of the designated land parcel in Gut No. 30 of Mogharpada village to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The proposed connectivity infrastructure will link the Mogharpada metro depot to the operational network. The depot is expected to serve as a major facility for stabling, maintenance and movement of trains operating on the Wadala–Mulund–Thane–Kasarvadavali–Gaimukh Metro corridor.
The approval marks the culmination of a process initiated in 2024 when the proposal was forwarded by the state government to the Centre. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) granted in-principle approval in October 2024, followed by final clearance in February 2025 after the fulfilment of stipulated conditions. With the state’s formal diversion order now in place, the land can be handed over for project execution.
According to the notification, 0.1625 hectares (1,625 sq m) of the land will be used for the approach road, 0.0928 hectares (928 sq m) for the spur line and 0.1347 hectares (1,347 sq m) for construction-related activities, taking the total diverted area to 3,900 sq m.
The government has directed that all conditions prescribed by central and state forest authorities be strictly followed. The Divisional Forest Officer has been tasked with ensuring compliance before possession of the land is transferred to MMRDA. Authorities have also warned that any violation of the stipulated conditions could result in the withdrawal of permissions and action under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.
The clearance is considered significant because the approach road and spur line are essential for integrating the Mogharpada depot with the metro network. With earlier coastal regulatory approvals already secured, the latest decision removes another major hurdle in the implementation of Metro Lines 4 and 4A.
Source: The Times of India
