This development regarding the new site has come in as the 13.5 km long Metro 9 line is fast shaping up to serve the increasing population in suburban Mira-Bhayandar.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has appealed to the state government for aid in shifting the depot for Metro 9 line (Dahisar-Bhayander), to a hillock situated 2.5 km away from the earlier suggested depot area.
An MMRDA official said, “The ideal location is where it was originally proposed. But since there is strong opposition by villagers, we have requested the government to help relocate the depot 2.5 km towards Uttan.”
The other suggested locations are either owned by private entities or situated on salt pan land.
The official stated that the new proposed site is owned by the government, so the MMRDA will not have to bear any expenses for acquiring it.
However, shifting to this new location will result in additional costs ranging from Rs 250 crore to Rs 300 crore, which will be required to extend the line and construct stations.
The new site is on a 16 metre high hillock where depot construction work can be challenging but is not impossible.
MMRDA sources said that it will take a minimum of two years to finish the depot work starting from the day the contractor is appointed.
During this period, MMRDA will have to depend on the Charkop depot, which is currently being utilised to operate services on Metro line 2A and Line 7.
Considering that Line 7 will be linked with this line, it is expected that there will be no issues in operating services until a dedicated depot is established for Metro network 9.
Previously, the MMRDA had intended to build the depot at Rai, Morva, and Mudha villages situated beyond Bhayandar.
However, the proposed construction of the 100-foot road and the 32 acre metro car shed sparked opposition from the villagers.
In October 2022, after local villagers expressed dissent to the land acquisition for the depot site, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called for a review meeting on the matter.
This development regarding the new site has come in as the 13.5 km long Metro 9 line is fast shaping up to serve the increasing population in suburban Mira-Bhayandar.
The connectivity is highly anticipated as it will also ease traffic congestion at the city’s main entry point, Dahisar toll naka.
As per MMRDA official, the civil works of the project are 55 per cent ready, and the entire corridor is expected to be completed by 2025. The Metro corridor, which is estimated to cost Rs 6,600 crore will have 10 stations.
The corridor will be integrated with the Dahisar East Metro Station, which was recently inaugurated as part of Metro lines 2A and 7.
Additionally, the Miragaon Metro Station will serve as the second interchange point, connecting with Metro line 10, which extends from Gaimukh to Shivaji Chowk or Kashimira.