Rs 300 Bn spent on Metro 3 project so far: RTI

26 Sep 2024 CW Team

It was revealed that Rs 300 billion has been spent on the construction of the underground Metro 3 between 2019 and 31st August 2024, according to a statement made by Yogendra Saxena, Director (Finance) of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), in response to a query under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Saxena further disclosed that the project has faced a cost escalation of Rs 28 billion, which has been attributed to civil systems, track work, and rolling stock.

Originally, the 33.5km Metro 3 line, featuring 27 stations, was expected to be completed by 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 210 billion. However, it was announced in July this year that the total cost had surged to Rs 372 billion.

In a separate RTI response to activist Zoru Bhathena, MMRCL provided further details on the total track length for Phase I (Aarey Colony to BKC) and Phase II (Dharavi to Cuffe Parade). The total track length for Phase I in both directions is 25.39km, while for Phase II, it is 41.8km. In a follow-up issued on 20th September, MMRCL confirmed that 21.79km of track had been energised.

Bhathena pointed out that, according to MMRCL’s social media updates, track testing has been underway since 2022. However, he noted a 3.6km gap in the electrification as revealed in the RTI response. Bhathena questioned why MMRCL presented Phase I as complete when it appeared that electrification of the Up and Down sections was not yet finished, raising concerns that trains may have to operate on a single track along part of the route.

MMRCL did not respond to inquiries from the Times of India regarding the cost escalation or the status of the track electrification in Phase I.

Building Material

03 Dec 2025

Cement Makers Positive on H2 Demand Outlook

The leading cement producers have posted high single-digit volume growth and better sales realisation in the July–September quarter, setting a positive tone for the second half of FY26. Companies are upbeat on demand prospects, supported by a strong housing sector and continued government spending on major infrastructure projects. UltraTech, Ambuja Cement, Shree Cement, Dalmia Bharat and Nuvoco Vistas recorded revenue growth of up to 18 per cent in the September quarter. The rise was driven by firm realisations, softer input costs and an increased share of premium products. With coal price..

Odisha Targets Role as MSME Hub for Eastern India

Odisha has set its sights on becoming the MSME gateway of eastern India, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said at the Odisha Industrial Conclave 2025, organised by Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB). Calling the state a land of possibilities, he noted that Odisha has emerged as a leading destination for micro, small and medium enterprises.He said that reforms such as the Go-Swift single-window system now allow project approvals within a day. Odisha has also invested 6.1 per cent of its GDP in infrastructure development, which is expected to further accelerate industrial and MSME growth.Majhi emphasise..

Coal Ministry Eases Process for Exploration and GR Approvals

The Ministry of Coal has introduced a simplified approval mechanism for exploration programmes and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks. The reform aims to accelerate exploration activity, reduce procedural delays and strengthen India’s preparedness for rising energy demand.Under the revised process, reports prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) and peer-reviewed by another accredited agency no longer require approval from the committee set up in January 2022. This marks a major shift towards faster, more transparent and technology-driven exploration.By ..