According to Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, a portion of the underground Metro Line 3 tunnel near Marine Lines was damaged on March 5 due to unauthorised borewell drilling by a private water supplier near the Metro Cinema area. An FIR was filed eight days later at Azad Maidan Police Station.
The FIR names Chandrama Water Supply Pvt Ltd and its owner Rambabu Raay. Officials reported that a small hole was created on the left side of the tunnel due to the drilling activity.
Authorities explained that any work within a 50-meter influence zone of the metro corridor requires prior permission from MMRCL. In this case, drilling was carried out illegally without approval. Fortunately, metro services were not affected by the incident.
A case has been registered against Rambabu Raay under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to causing financial damage (INR 20,000 to INR 1 lakh), damage to public property, and under the Metro Act for intentional damage to metro infrastructure.
MMRCL officials clarified that activities such as borewell drilling, excavation, or construction near metro tunnels are strictly prohibited without prior permission. It was also found that no approval had been taken from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the borewell.
Following the incident, MMRCL issued a fresh public notice stating that prior approval is mandatory for any work within 50 meters on either side of Metro Line 3. The tunnels, about 6.35 meters in diameter and located 17–25 meters underground, pass beneath several properties, making such precautions essential.
Officials added that to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), applicants must submit detailed plans and project documents. By December 2025, MMRCL had granted permission to 226 such projects, including road concreting, drainage work, soil testing, and other infrastructure activities.
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