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To protect the tunnels of Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line), which runs 33 km from Cuffe Parade to Aarey Colony, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has asked all building owners and housing societies within 50 metres of the metro route to get its approval before starting any redevelopment, construction,
demolition, or excavation work. This rule applies to all structures that fall within this "influence zone" on both sides of the alignment.
The instruction was issued through a public notice on November 30, 2025. MMRC said that anyone planning projects in this zone must obtain clearance from the Director (Planning and Real Estate), MMRC.
Construction Activities
The notice explains that construction activities near an underground metro line require strict safety precautions. Since heavy machinery is used during redevelopment, there is a risk of accidents such as falling equipment, toppling rigs, or collapsing scaffolding, which can harm pedestrians, commuters, or even affect the metro tunnels. MMRC stressed that safety must be the highest priority.
Developers will be required to follow safety standards, inspect their equipment regularly, and take measures to reduce risks while carrying out work near the metro line. MMRC has already received 31 inquiries from 13 developers over the last year and a half. Many of them are interested in getting a higher Floor Space Index (FSI) under the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) scheme, as reported by Hindustan Times. Well-known real estate firms such as K Raheja Corp, Prestige Group, Suraj Estate Developers, and Valor Estate (formerly DB Realty) are among those who have shown interest.
In 2024, the Maharashtra Urban Development Department updated the city's Development Plan to allow TOD along the underground Aqua Line. The revised policy allows developers to receive up to five times FSI for projects located within 500 metres of ten Aqua Line stations. Rehabilitation projects can also get 35% extra fungible FSI. Additionally, these developments may get direct subway access to metro stations under the TOD scheme.
