MMRDA Cracks The Whip On Metro Project Delays With Tough New Manpower Policy

With over 150 kilometres of metro lines gearing toward completion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the MMRDA has unveiled a manpower mobilisation policy aimed at eliminating contractor-induced delays, reported The Free Press Journal.

The move signals a serious pivot towards accountability and timely project execution as multiple corridors inch closer to their commissioning deadlines.

As per the new directive, contractors falling short on manpower by 25 per cent to 50 per cent will face a penalty of Rs 1 lakh per day, while those breaching the 50 per cent shortfall mark will be fined Rs 2 lakh daily.

Additionally, failure to meet stipulated Key Dates (KDs) will attract further financial penalties as laid out in the contract.

Contractors will be held accountable instantly and without exception.

Periodic site audits and workforce reviews will now form part of the metro authority's standard operating procedure, with General Consultants and on-site engineers overseeing strict compliance.

“We’re not just building metro lines—we’re building trust,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He added, “This policy is not punitive, it’s progressive. It ensures that intent is matched with execution.”

Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said, “We owe it to our commuters to stay on track—literally and figuratively. If that means enforcing tough measures, so be it. Time lost is opportunity lost.”

Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, MMRDA Commissioner, emphasised the operational shift already underway.

“We appointed dedicated team leaders for each metro package, and that has made a measurable difference in site progress. This new policy is the next logical step. We are not just working faster, we’re working smarter," Mukherjee said.

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