Construction continues on the $2 billion, Line 4 (Wadala- Ghatkopar-Mulund-Thane-Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh) extension of the Mumbai Metro Rail, as the team has successfully adjusted to the realities of working during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The 35.02 km (21.78 mile) line is fully elevated and consists of 34 stations from Wadala to Gaimukh through the densely populated City of Mumbai. Once complete, the Line will provide rail access to commercial, governmental agencies, and geographical landmarks. The Line is also expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease congestion.

Hill, as part of a consortium, is providing support for Line 4 as General Consultant. The team’s services include development, project and financial management, program planning, and construction supervision. Hill is also supporting preliminary planning, design, execution, and documentation services.

Two key members of the Hill team were recently cited for their achievements on the massive project. Chief Contracts expert Subhas Sarkar served as the primary interface with client personnel involved in preparing excusable Extension of Time (EOT) adjustments to the project’s five civil construction contracts. The EOTs were necessary due to procurement bottlenecks caused by COVID-19 and involved many factors and variables.

According to the management team’s Project Director, Mr. Sarkar put in extra hours to prepare presentations and revise assessments, all while supporting claims/dispute resolution and tender preparation work for other contracts. The Director specifically stated Mr. Sarkar was largely responsible for gaining the client’s confidence in the team’s recommendations. In addition, Hill Planning Engineer Radhika Thakkar also contributed enormously, cutting short her vacation to return to work in Mumbai early, and painstakingly preparing the detailed background information so critical to the EOT exercise.

Congratulations to Mr. Sarkar, Ms. Thakkar, and the entire team for their hard work in keeping this massive transit project moving forward.