Why Mumbai needs DMRC and can’t rely upon its own so-called competent agencies for metro works.
Mumbai’s metro expansion is undergoing a drastic shift as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) takes charge of key under-construction metro corridors from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). A recent news report in Hindustan Times reported that “CM Devendra Fadnavis’ call to complete at least 50 km of metro rail annually in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is in the process of terminating, or not renewing contracts, of consultants associated with at least four under-construction metro lines, and hand these over to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) instead.
This move follows years of delays, cost escalations, and missed deadlines under MMRDA’s management. But why is DMRC stepping in? How do these agencies compare? And what does this mean for Mumbai’s metro future? Let’s break it down.
Why Is MMRDA’s Work Being Handed Over to DMRC?
Mumbai’s metro construction has faced severe execution delays, rising costs, and mismanagement. The Maharashtra government has decided to bring in DMRC for faster execution, aiming to deliver 50 km of metro per year from 2026. The key reasons for this shift include:
- Missed Deadlines: Several MMRDA metro projects are years behind schedule.
- Project Mismanagement: MMRDA relies heavily on external consultants, reducing accountability.
- Cost Overruns: The Metro 4A (Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh) project alone saw a ₹63.67 crore cost escalation, pushing its budget beyond ₹500 crore.
- Execution Bottlenecks: Delays in land acquisition, shifting utilities, and contractor inefficiencies have slowed progress.
The Maharashtra government now plans to transfer four metro corridors to DMRC, including:
- Metro 2B (Andheri West to Mandale)
- Metro 4 (Wadala to Kasarvadavali)
- Metro 5 (Thane to Bhiwandi)
- Metro 9 (Dahisar East to Mira-Bhayandar)
DMRC, known for its efficiency, has already contributed to Mumbai Metro Line 2B and is expected to fast-track these stalled projects.
MMRDA vs. DMRC: What’s the Difference?
MMRDA and DMRC both develop metro systems, but their execution speeds and management styles are worlds apart.
- Years Active: MMRDA (since 1975) handles overall Mumbai infrastructure, while DMRC (since 1995) specializes in metro projects.
- Metro Network Size: MMRDA has completed 33.5 km of metro lines in Mumbai, while DMRC has built 395+ km across Delhi and other cities
. - Execution Speed: DMRC has a strict project timeline, whereas MMRDA faces repeated delays.
- Project Management: MMRDA outsources most work to consultants, while DMRC has an in-house technical team ensuring direct accountability.
- Cost Control: MMRDA projects frequently exceed budgets, while DMRC maintains stable cost planning.
- Reputation: DMRC has successfully executed metro projects in Delhi, Kochi, Jaipur, and Lucknow, while MMRDA is struggling with completion.
Simply put, DMRC has a 373 km lead over MMRDA in metro expansion. While DMRC launched its first metro line in 2002, it now operates nearly 400 km, whereas Mumbai’s metro network remains underdeveloped
Why Is MMRDA So Slow?
- Unrealistic Planning: MMRDA underestimated challenges, leading to cost escalations and missed targets.
- Land and Clearance Issues: Mumbai’s high-density urban layout makes land acquisition difficult.
- Funding Struggles: Metro 4A’s ₹500+ crore budget shows how project costs spiral out of control
Will The Budget Change Under DMRC?
Yes, DMRC’s cost-efficient model may help control overruns, but past delays mean Mumbai’s metro projects are still expensive. The Maharashtra government might need to revise budgets further for faster execution
What’s Next for Mumbai Metro?
Faster Execution – With DMRC stepping in, metro projects are expected to progress at a quicker pace.
Stronger Deadlines – The 50 km per year target from 2026 could become a reality.
Budget Adjustments – To accommodate DMRC’s faster execution, financial planning may need to be revised.
The big question now is, Can DMRC fix Mumbai’s metro mess? While its track record suggests it can, only time will tell if it can deliver on Mumbai’s massive transport needs. For now, Mumbaikars can look forward to a hopefully faster and better metro system.
However, in the end, one must realise that it is not just an agency that decides speed of execution. In India, such decisions are often moved by political will and equations. So, Fadanvis’ relying upon experienced and trusted DMRC can pay off yields when the state government has strong will to do what’s needed for people: Speed, quality, and completion of metro lines for better commuting across the MMR.
