Bullet train work frozen for now as it may impact crucial public transport projects

01 October, 2018

The proposed Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project that will be passing through Thane is likely to impact the fate of crucial public transport projects, including an elevated road and a few residential colonies in Thane city.

As per a recent development, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), is believed to be reconsidering execution of its ambitious 1.6km flyover project from Shilphata to Kalyan phata after the bullet train route was announced by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). The approximately Rs 180 crore worth flyover project was planned and approved by the MMRDA committee two years ago with the aim to ease the massive congestion at the two junctions on the arterial Mumbra-Panvel highway.

“We were in the process of undertaking a feasibility and detailed project report for our proposed elevated highway over Mumbra-Panvel road but after we realized the alignment of the bullet train was overlapping with our plans, we have temporarily frozen all further works regarding the project,” said an MMRDA official.

Meanwhile, several residents, who have invested in an upcoming residential complex located along the Shil Daighar area are also surprised after the civic body issued stop work notices to a project in the area stating the land was in the path of the proposed bullet train route. The developers have now challenged the civic body in the court claiming this arbitrary notice claiming that their projects is partly occupied.

A local corporator claimed they were opposed to the project saying there was no proper compensation package or plans for development of neighboring areas provided by the team. “The authorities have arbitrarily sent notices to several property owners, including a few builders without a proper survey. We have not allowed the team to conduct any survey in our area and it is surprising that now they claim to be ready with an alignment route and list of properties to be acquired,” questioned the elected representative.

Civic officials, however, claimed that no existing or pre-approved project of any developer in the area was affected because of the route and claimed the route may be passing through some open area within the complex premises. “We have received a communication challenging a notice sent by us to a certain developer with a project in the Shil Daighar area,” said an official.

Meanwhile, a National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd spokesperson said they were ready with the alignment of the bullet route and have shared the same with all local self-government bodies who would interact with the project affected people.

 

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com