Vikhroli Land Secured
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a critical breakthrough in the six-year-long delay of Metro Line 4. The authority
successfully acquired the land required for the Laxmi Nagar station in Vikhroli, the last remaining obstacle for the Wadala-Kasarvadavali corridor. This 16,762 square meter plot, previously owned by Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd, was a significant hurdle. Initial discussions began in 2019 but were complicated by legal challenges, including a stay obtained by the company from the Bombay High Court after MMRDA's notice under Section 299 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, was challenged due to a lack of a marked road on the Development Plan. Ultimately, the MMRDA resorted to compulsory acquisition under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013, a process that was extended due to the substantial cost of over ₹167 crore, based on ready reckoner rates, and the necessity of multiple state-level approvals. The land was finally acquired for ₹164.31 crore, with ₹157.7 crore already disbursed, and possession was granted on March 30th. The station, along with its adjacent viaduct and an access road, will now be constructed on this site, with surveys already in progress.
Project Progress and Timeline
With the Vikhroli land now in MMRDA's possession, the construction of the Laxmi Nagar station and its connecting viaduct can commence, marking a significant step towards the full operationalization of Metro Line 4. The entire 32.32 km elevated corridor, connecting Wadala to Kasarvadavali, encompasses 30 stations and has a projected cost of ₹14,549 crore. While the acquisition of the final station's land took considerable time, other stations on the route are already constructed. The project is now ambitiously targeting full operations by 2027. This timeline indicates that the initial phases, which were previously scheduled for earlier completion, are now subject to adjustments. For instance, the first stretch intended to open, from Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction (4.4 km), with stations including Gaimukh, Vijay Garden, Kasarvadavali, and Cadbury Junction, has already completed trial runs using a 6-coach BEML train. However, the larger Phase 1, extending from Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction (10.5 km, 10 stations), which was earlier slated for April 2026, is not yet ready. Subsequent phases include Phase 2: Cadbury Junction to Gandhi Nagar (21.5 km), scheduled for October 2026, and Phase 3: Gandhi Nagar to Wadala, targeted for October 2027. Additionally, a minor 200 sqm plot in Bhandup for a high-tension tower remains to be acquired, but this is expected to be resolved within the next month.
Impact and Significance
The successful completion of Metro Line 4 is poised to dramatically transform intra-city travel for Mumbaikars, particularly those commuting between Thane and Mumbai. The elevated corridor is anticipated to slash travel times by an impressive 50% to 75%, offering a significant reduction in daily commutes. This efficiency gain is expected to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that currently plagues the eastern corridor, a persistent challenge for the city. By providing a reliable and faster public transportation alternative, the metro line aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles and overcrowded road networks. This not only improves the quality of life for commuters but also contributes to a more sustainable urban environment by potentially reducing vehicular emissions. The enhanced connectivity will likely foster economic activity and improve accessibility to various parts of the city, making Mumbai a more integrated and dynamic metropolitan area.
