The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has received proposals from three companies to appoint a consultant for the revision of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) concerning the proposed Metro Line 14, which will connect Kanjurmarg and Badlapur.
This initiative is part of the authority’s efforts to restructure the execution and financing model for the ambitious suburban corridor. As per officials, the bids for the consultancy contract were opened on May 11. The three firms involved in the bidding process are SMEC, Tata Consulting Engineers, and RITES, and the evaluation of these bids is currently underway.
This action follows MMRDA’s unsuccessful attempt to attract private developers for the 38-km metro corridor through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. In May 2025, the authority issued an expression of interest (EoI) to seek private involvement in the project, which was anticipated to be the second PPP Metro line in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, following the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro.
However, due to a lack of interest from private entities, MMRDA is now considering implementation via the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) method, which will be supported by institutional loans and a deferred-payment arrangement, according to sources within the metro rail sector. Officials acquainted with the strategy indicated that the revised model would entail granting construction packages to EPC contractors, while the government would manage debt and maintain ownership and operational oversight of the corridor.
Metro Line 14 is projected to function as a significant east-west suburban connector, linking Badlapur, Ambernath, Nilje, Shilphata, Mahape, Ghansoli, and Kanjurmarg. The alignment features a 5.7-km segment along Thane Creek and a 4.38-km section adjacent to the Parsik Hills, necessitating various environmental, forest, and coastal regulation zone approvals.
The proposed corridor will consist of 15 stations — 13 elevated, one underground, and one at grade — along with a 20-hectare depot in Badlapur. The estimated cost of the project is approximately ₹18,000 crore, and it is expected to accommodate nearly 6.5 lakh daily commuters by 2031.
Industry specialists indicated that Metro rail initiatives persist in facing challenges in drawing private investment due to extended gestation periods, fare regulations, and unpredictable ridership forecasts. Additionally, executives monitoring metro bids highlighted construction risks associated with creek crossings, hilly terrains, and the relocation of utilities, all of which impact financial feasibility and postpone project implementation.
