Displaced By Mumbai Metro 3: Families Face Prolonged Wait For New Homes Until...

Residents affected by the Metro 3 project in Colaba, Kalbadevi, and Girgaon will face a prolonged wait before receiving their new homes, according to Lokmat.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is overseeing the rehabilitation of these individuals, but progress has been slower than anticipated. Of the three buildings being constructed for those displaced by the project, only two have begun construction, with work on the third still stalled in the tendering process. Consequently, affected residents will not receive possession of their new homes until after 2025.

The Metro 3 project has impacted 576 properties in Kalbadevi and Girgaon, affecting both residential and commercial spaces. MMRC is building three replacement structures to house those displaced. Construction on Building K3 in Kalbadevi has commenced but is now expected to be completed by July 2025, a delay from the original December 2024 deadline.

Similarly, Building G3 in Girgaon has faced setbacks, pushing its completion date from February 2026 to November 2026. Residents may only move in by early 2027. Work on Building K2 in Kalbadevi has yet to start, further extending the timeline.

Residents who left their homes seven years ago are still waiting for their new properties. Jitendra Ghadge from The Young Whistleblowers Foundation has criticised MMRC for the delays, emphasising the need for timely completion to avoid wasting public funds.

The cost of construction has also risen. The projected expenses are as follows:

• Kalbadevi K3: Expected Cost - Rs 131.53 crore (Cost Increase - Rs 3.7 crore)
• Girgaon G3: Expected Cost - Rs 404.66 crore (Cost Increase - Rs 66.31 crore)
• Kalbadevi K2: Estimated Cost - Rs 48.70 crore

In addition, MMRC has been covering house rent for displaced residents since 2017. Expenditures on rent have surged from Rs 2.38 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 46.39 crore in 2023-24, with annual increases contributing to the rising financial burden on MMRC.