Metro 4 depot stalled over payout, CM orders eviction | Mumbai News

Mumbai: The state govt is preparing to forcibly evict individuals “obstructing” the construction of Metro 4’s car depot at Mogharpada in Thane. Physical possession of the land is still pending despite its official handover to MMRDA.“We’ve accepted most of the demands of the project-affected persons (PAPs), including those related to floor space index and road widening. But a handful of PAPs are holding the entire project to ransom, delaying benefits for thousands of commuters,” said a senior MMRDA official.Located along Ghodbunder Road on the western fringe of Thane city, the depot site was chosen for its strategic connectivity to Metro 4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavli), as well as future extensions to Gaimukh, Mira Road and the proposed Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan corridor.The project faced opposition from 167 locals who claimed to have cultivated the govt land for decades. They argued that acquisition without fair compensation would leave them without a livelihood. To break the deadlock, govt proposed a compensation model similar to Cidco’s in Navi Mumbai: landowners were offered 22.5% of developed land and non-owners 12.5%.“Although land was handed over on paper, physical possession is still pending, which is why work hasn’t started,” the official said.With resistance continuing and fresh demands emerging, CM Devendra Fadnavis has directed the district collector to initiate eviction proceedings against those stalling the project.MMRDA has already floated tenders for depot construction, with a joint venture of SEW Infrastructure and Vishwa Samudra Engineering emerging as the lowest bidder at Rs 906 crore.The proposed facility will include 64 stabling lines (32 for current use and the remaining as future provision), 10 inspection bays, workshop lines, an operations control centre, an administrative building, maintenance facilities, staff quarters and an auxiliary substation.Meanwhile, to avoid further delays in train trials, MMRDA is exploring a temporary solution by acquiring a smaller parcel to build a pit line for primary maintenance. However, this interim fix —if cleared by the safety commissioner—will limit train frequency, as the pit line can service only a few rakes at a time.