Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has received bids from three firms for appointing a consultant to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the proposed Metro Line 14 connecting Kanjurmarg and Badlapur, as the authority reworks the execution and financing model for the ambitious suburban corridor.According to officials, bids for the consultancy contract were opened on May 11. Three firms — SMEC, Tata Consulting Engineers and RITES — participated in the bidding process, which is currently under evaluation.The move comes after MMRDA failed to attract private developers for the 38-km metro corridor under the public-private partnership (PPP) route. In May 2025, the authority floated an expression of interest (EoI) seeking private participation in the project, which was expected to be only the second PPP Metro line in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region after the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro.However, with no response from private players, MMRDA is now exploring implementation through the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) route supported by institutional loans and a deferred-payment structure, people in the metro rail industry said.Officials familiar with the plan said the revised model would involve awarding construction packages to EPC contractors while the government raises debt and retains ownership and operational control of the corridor.Metro Line 14 is expected to serve as a major east-west suburban connector linking Badlapur, Ambernath, Nilje, Shilphata, Mahape, Ghansoli and Kanjurmarg. The alignment includes a 5.7-km stretch along Thane Creek and a 4.38-km section skirting the Parsik Hills, requiring multiple environmental, forest and coastal regulation zone clearances.The proposed corridor will have 15 stations — 13 elevated, one underground and one at grade — along with a 20-hectare depot in Badlapur. The project is estimated to cost around ₹18,000 crore and is projected to carry nearly 6.5 lakh daily commuters by 2031.Industry experts said Metro rail projects continue to struggle to attract private investment because of long gestation periods, fare regulation, and uncertain ridership projections. Executives tracking metro bids also pointed to construction risks linked to creek crossings, hill sections and utility shifting, which affect financial viability and delay project execution.
