MMRDA Cancels ₹733-Crore Uttan-Dongri Metro Depot After Massive Local, Environmental Protests

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has officially scrapped its ₹733-crore proposal to construct the Uttan-Dongri depot for Mumbai Metro Line 9 after facing continuous resistance from local residents and environmental groups.

The decision comes amid mounting opposition over the proposed cutting of nearly 12,000 trees across the villages of Morva, Raimurdhe, and Murdhe near Uttan-an action locals warned would lead to serious ecological damage. Activists also accused the MMRDA and its contractor of allegedly underreporting the age of trees to reduce compensatory plantation requirements.

Additionally, the project faced backlash over displacement concerns, with around 547 families expected to be relocated due to the depot's location within residential and no-development zones.

In response, the MMRDA is now evaluating alternative options, such as utilizing the existing Mandale and Charkop depots to manage the operations of Metro Line 9, which extends from Line 7. The scrapped depot was originally designed to span 59.7 hectares and accommodate 40 stabling lines for train maintenance and parking.

Despite this setback, Phase 1 of Metro Line 9 (Dahisar East to Kashigaon) remains on track, with operations expected to commence by December 2025, as per official timelines.

The cancellation signifies a major course correction from the MMRDA's initial expansion plans but also highlights the growing strength of grassroots environmental activism and community-driven resistance in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The authority maintains that it is fully committed to bringing Metro Line 9 into operation on schedule while identifying feasible depot alternatives that comply with environmental norms and public concerns.