Mogra Pumping Station Work Begins October 15 After 20 Years

Mogra Pumping Station Work to Begin October 15 After 20-Year Wait, Aiming to Reduce Andheri Flooding

Mumbai’s long-awaited Mogra pumping station is finally moving toward construction, nearly two decades after it was first proposed. Work on the Rs 393 crore project is scheduled to begin on October 15 after the project received the required environmental clearances.

The pumping station is expected to improve Mumbai’s flood management system and reduce waterlogging in several flood-prone areas of Andheri, Versova and Jogeshwari during the monsoon.

Rs 393 Crore Mogra Pumping Station Gets Environmental Clearances

The proposed Mogra pumping station will be developed along the Mogra nullah near Oshiwara and Lokhandwala. The project will include tidal gates, retaining walls and other supporting infrastructure designed to improve the movement and discharge of stormwater.

The project was sanctioned in 2021 at an estimated cost of Rs 393 crore, with an initial completion period of 24 months. However, work faced several delays because of land acquisition issues and a conflict with Phase 2 of the Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road project.

Preliminary work eventually started in March 2025, but the construction site had to be shifted closer to Lokhandwala Creek Road. The change required fresh Coastal Regulation Zone approval and final clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

With the necessary environmental approvals now in place, the civic administration is preparing to start the main construction work.

Civic Body Targets Completion Before 2029

Although the revised project timeline allows around three years for completion, the civic body is aiming to bring the Mogra pumping station into operation before 2029.

The project is an important part of Mumbai’s Rs 13,000 crore Integrated Flood Control Action Plan. The larger program is supported by financial assistance from the central government and focuses on strengthening the city’s ability to manage heavy monsoon rainfall.

The plan includes improvements to Mumbai’s drainage and pumping network, increased stormwater drain capacity, restoration of the Mithi River and the use of nature-based solutions to reduce flood risks.

The Mogra pumping station is expected to play an important role in this wider flood management strategy.

Mogra Project Could Help Flood-Prone Areas in Andheri

Residents and local groups have welcomed the progress but are also seeking faster execution because of the project’s long delay.

Dhaval Shah, co-founder of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association, said the project should now be treated as a priority because several parts of Andheri continue to face flooding during heavy rainfall.

Areas around Link Road, Veera Desai Road and other low-lying locations could benefit from improved stormwater management once the pumping station becomes operational.

Residents have also raised concerns about waste being dumped into nullahs. Large items such as sofas and other bulky waste can block waterways and reduce their ability to carry rainwater.

Along with completing the pumping station, residents have urged the civic administration to strengthen action against illegal dumping and keep the Mogra nullah clear.

Pumping Stations Provide Key Flood Protection During High Tide

Mumbai’s pumping stations play a critical role during intense rainfall, especially when high tide prevents stormwater from naturally flowing into the sea.

During such periods, floodgates may need to remain closed to stop seawater from entering the drainage network. Pumping stations help move accumulated rainwater out of the city, reducing the risk of prolonged waterlogging.

Mumbai’s first major stormwater pumping station at Irla in Juhu became operational in 2010. Other facilities followed at Haji Ali, Cleveland, Lovegrove in Worli, Reay Road-Britannia and Gajdhar Bandh at Khar Danda.

However, Mogra and Mahul remain among the major planned pumping stations that are yet to be completed.

Mogra Pumping Station Was Recommended After 2005 Floods

The Mogra and Mahul pumping stations were recommended by the Chitale Committee as part of eight pumping station projects under the Brihanmumbai Storm Water Disposal System, or BRIMSTOWAD.

The recommendations came after the devastating July 26, 2005 floods highlighted the need for stronger flood-control infrastructure across Mumbai.

With Mogra now set to enter its construction phase, the project marks a major step toward strengthening flood protection in western Mumbai.

Once completed, the facility is expected to provide additional support to the city’s stormwater network and help reduce the impact of heavy monsoon rainfall in flood-prone parts of Andheri, Versova and Jogeshwari.