The construction cost of the Metro 2B corridor, connecting DN Nagar to Mandale, has surged by ₹248 crore, bringing the total project cost to ₹3,304.83 crore, according to information obtained by RTI activist Anil Galgali. The project, initially divided into four packages, has faced significant delays, resulting in a total penalty of ₹1.92 crore imposed on the contractors.
Breakdown of Cost Escalation and Delays
- DN Nagar to BKC MTNL (Package C 101)
- Contractor: J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd.
- Work Order Issued: May 28, 2021
- Initial Completion Deadline: November 27, 2023
- Revised Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Original Cost: ₹1,307.88 crore
- Additional Cost: ₹55.54 crore
- Penalty Imposed: ₹1.36 lakh
- BKC MTNL to Chembur Diamond Garden (Package C 102)
- Contractor: NCC Ltd.
- Work Order Issued: May 2, 2022
- Initial Completion Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Extended Deadline: Not specified
- Project Cost: ₹759.67 crore
- Penalty Imposed: ₹14.99 lakh
- Chembur Diamond Garden to Mandale (Package CA 7)
- Contractor: NCC Ltd.
- Work Order Issued: January 17, 2019
- Initial Completion Deadline: July 16, 2021
- Revised Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Original Cost: ₹458.93 crore
- Additional Cost: ₹122.77 crore
- Penalty Imposed: ₹29.58 lakh
- Mandale Carshed (Package CA 14)
- Contractor: Ahluwalia India Limited
- Work Order Issued: January 17, 2019
- Initial Completion Deadline: July 16, 2021
- Revised Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Original Cost: ₹530.32 crore
- Additional Cost: ₹69.68 crore
- Penalty Imposed: ₹10.97 lakh
Delays and Rising Costs Raise Concerns
RTI activist Anil Galgali highlighted that the delays in the Metro 2B project have resulted in significant cost escalations, which could have been avoided with better planning. “Due to a lack of proper planning, the project is not being completed on time, and the costs are continuously rising. The government must take control of the situation to ensure faster and more affordable transportation for commuters in the future,” he said.
The Metro 2B corridor, part of Mumbai’s ambitious metro expansion plan, is expected to enhance connectivity between DN Nagar and Mandale, providing a much-needed boost to the city’s public transport infrastructure. However, with further extensions granted and additional costs mounting, commuters may have to wait longer for the project’s completion.
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