MMRDA budget: Mumbai infra projects get INR 3,832 cr boost

Several key infra projects in Mumbai and its adjoining areas are expected to get a big boost with the nodal Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), approving a budget of INR3,832cr at a recent meeting that was chaired by the state CM Devendra Fadnavis.

The amount includes big-ticket allocations for several crucial projects for the next financial year, that include the Metro III, several rail projects and an elevated road at Chembur among several other initiatives.

The agency has also announced an allocation of approx INR402.6cr towards the second phase of the monorail project from Wadala to Jacob Circle, which is scheduled for completion next year. Other key initiatives that were approved at the meeting including the construction of an elevated road to alleviate the traffic woes at the Chheda Nagar junction, INR161.5cr sanction for the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (MUIP) which also includes the Kherwadi flyover (likely to be completed by April) and sum of INR1005cr towards crucial rail projects under the aegis of Mumbai Urban Transport Project (II).

An amount of INR758.5cr has also been allocated for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, under the extended MUIP.  The funds will be used towards the much-needed widening and improvement of several key flyovers, roads and highways in the region, in addition to the construction of a bridge over Revas creek and repairs to the Neral-Matheran road among other tourist spots in Matheran.

While most of the measures announced have been largely welcomed, the government has also gone ahead with a sanction of INR190cr for the Metro III project, inspite of stiff opposition from the its own ally the Shiv Sena, leading environmentalists and several celebrities who have voiced their concerns about key aspects governing the controversial project.

The bone of contention is the government’s plan to construct a Metro III car-shed at Aarey Colony, the city’s only surviving green-lung and a protected area. Citing his concerns at a recent seminar on the issue, noted actor Aamir Khan expressed fears that the wildlife in the area was liable to be destroyed with several trees in the area likely to be chopped to make way for the Metro car shed.

He urged the government to make a presentation on the issue to clarify its stand and stressed the need for a comprehensive debate on the issue. Noted writers Salim Khan and his erstwhile partner Javed Akhtar also urged the city’s denizens to wake up and collectively save the city from falling prey to the builder-politician nexus.

Taking note of the serious opposition, the CM has since announced a stay on the plan to build the Metro III car shed at Aarey colony and formed a committee to suggest an alternative viable location for the same.  However the project per se is likely to go ahead with the government led by CM Fadnavis sanctioning a sum of INR190cr for the project.

Earlier expressing his confidence in the long-term benefits of the project the CM had expressed his views that the Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro III corridor was a crucial part of the city’s infra-development plans and would provide a huge relief to the connectivity and travel woes of suburban commuters, reasons which mandated his making a sizeable allocation for the project.

The controversial project has also been the in the news for ‘other’ reasons with regard to its alignment and demands from residents of Cuffe Parade to terminate it at the Vidhan Bhavan station. Scores of residents in buildings along the Girgaum and Kalbadevi belt have also expressed fears of permanent displacement on account of this project.

In response Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd’s MD Ashwini Bhide has ruled out any change in the alignment for now, stating that it would trigger similar demands from residents at other places along the route.

Speaking at an event held at the city’s Press Club, she further revealed that the Metro III corridor had been specifically planned to minimize impact on traffic, with nearly 60percent of the proposed 27 Metro stations to be developed in open spaces or internal roads, thereby avoiding any further congestion on the city’s main arterial roads. She added that MMRCL was however open to constructive suggestions from affected residents on issues related to traffic management along the route.

In a related development, the Western Railways has given its go-ahead for the project. WR officials confirmed that all issues pertaining to Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central and Grant Road had been resolved. As per plans a Metro station is proposed at Mumbai central, opposite the long-distance terminal on Dr. Nair Marg.

The 33.5-km Metro III line will commence from Cuffe Parade, running through Nariman Point, Churchgate, CST, Girgaum, Worli, Mahim, Kalina University, Dadar, Bandra and BKC before terminating at SEEPZ.

According to MMRDA officials, the contract for the project is to be finalised by December 2015, while the project is expected to be completed by 2020.