The Maharashtra government on September 3 approved Mumbai Metro Line 11, which will link Wadala to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and the Gateway of India, providing a critical boost to south Mumbai’s public transport network.Route and StationsLine 11 will stretch approximately 16 km from Anik Bus Depot (Wadala) to SPM Circle near the Gateway of India, featuring the following stations:Anik Bus Depot (Wadala Depot)CGS ColonyGanesh NagarBPT HospitalSewriHay BunderCoal BunderReay RoadBycullaNagpada JunctionBhendi BazaarCrawford MarketCSMT Metro (interchange with Line 3/Aqua Line)Horniman Circle (Fort)SPM CircleProject Cost and FundingThe estimated cost for Line 11 is approximately Rs 24,000 crore, reflecting the extended route and increased station count. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has expressed interest in providing ODA loans. The Maharashtra government has sanctioned loan guarantees to attract international financing and has sought assistance from the Centre.Project Status and TimelineExecution of Line 11 has been transferred from MMRDA to MMRCL. Pre-construction work, including securing finances, finalising detailed designs, appointing consultants, and tendering civil works, is underway. Construction is expected to commence around 2027, with completion projected by 2030.A draft Environmental Impact Assessment notes that the fully underground line, except for the depot, will affect approximately 2,208 trees. Portions of the route fall under coastal regulation zones, requiring environmental clearances.Integration with Other LinesLine 11 will interchange with:Line 4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavli) at Bhakti Park (Wadala)Line 3 (Aqua Line) at CSMTProposals are underway to extend Line 11 to link with Line 3 at Dharavi, with two new stations including Sion, aiming to transform Dharavi into a multi-modal transport hub integrating metro, suburban rail, and buses. The line will also connect with Monorail and major suburban railway stations such as Byculla and CSMT.Ridership and ImpactAccording to the Detailed Project Report by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Line 11 is expected to carry around 580,000 passengers daily by 2031, increasing to over 1 million by 2055. The corridor will enhance connectivity across south Mumbai, complement the Green Line, and link major employment and heritage hubs from Wadala through Fort to Colaba, creating a vital backbone for the city’s commuters.