Mumbai’s Metro Line 2B, connecting DN Nagar to Mandale, has seen a cost escalation of ₹248 crore, taking the total construction expenditure to ₹3,304.83 crore. The revelation came through an RTI response received by activist Anil Galgali from the Metro Project Implementation Branch. The project, divided into four segments, has been plagued by delays, resulting in penalties totaling ₹1.92 crore imposed on the contractors.
The DN Nagar to BKC stretch, awarded to J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd under Package C101, was initially scheduled for completion by November 27, 2023. However, an extension has now pushed the deadline to June 30, 2025. The estimated cost of ₹1,307.88 crore has risen by ₹55.54 crore, and the contractor has been fined ₹1.36 lakh for delays.
Similarly, the BKC to Chembur Diamond Garden segment under Package C102 was awarded to NCC Ltd on May 2, 2022, with a completion deadline of May 1, 2025. Though an extension has been granted, the exact revised timeline remains unclear. The project cost stands at ₹759.67 crore, and a penalty of ₹14.99 lakh has been imposed on the contractor.
The Chembur Diamond Garden to Mandale section, under Package CA7, was assigned to NCC Ltd on January 17, 2019, with an initial deadline of July 16, 2021. However, multiple delays have pushed the completion date to June 30, 2025. The estimated cost of ₹458.93 crore has increased by ₹122.77 crore, and the contractor has been fined ₹29.58 lakh.
The Mandale Carshed, part of Package CA14, was awarded to Ahluwalia India Limited on January 17, 2019, with an original completion date of July 16, 2021. The deadline has now been extended to June 30, 2025. The initial cost of ₹530.32 crore has risen by ₹69.68 crore, and a penalty of ₹10.97 lakh has been imposed due to project delays.
Galgali criticised the frequent cost overruns and delays, attributing them to poor planning. He urged the government to take corrective action to ensure timely project completion and prevent further financial burden, emphasizing that an efficient metro network is crucial for Mumbai’s commuters.
