The price of Mumbai’s first metro rail between Versova, Andheri and Ghatkopar, being constructed by Reliance Infrastructure-led Mumbai Metro One (MMOPL) has shot up by 84 per cent, reveals information elicited under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.    

The project cost at the launch of construction of this 11-km long route was Rs 2,356 crore. But now the cost has escalated at Rs 4,321 crore. The project's first line has hit yet another change in completion schedule from this September to the year end or early next year as the Commissioner of Railway Safety is yet to certify the project.    

Now, MMOPL has approached the Maharashta State government as well as the MMRDA seeking revision in ticket rates to meet the increase in construction cost and also purchasing extra rakes with an expectation of high ridership.    

Not only has the project cost substantially increased but also faced inordinate delays, said Anil Galgali, RTI activist who received a reply under the RTI Act from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).    

The Mumbai Metro rail's first phase of project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in June 2006 and construction began in February 2008.