Mumbai: Metro-2B line will be constructed overground, MMRDA tells Bombay-HC
The MMRDA has told the Bombay HC its decision to construct the Metro 2B line overground after considering all the aspects. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, in an affidavit filed yesterday, also told the court that it was a "conscious decision" based on technical, scientific and other material considered by experts. The proposed Metro 2B line will connect Mumbai's western and eastern suburbs.
Housing association residents sought for line to be constructed underground
The affidavit was filed by MMRDA executive engineer Bhushan Mhaiske. The affidavit was submitted in response to a petition filed by the Juhu Vile Parle Development Cooperative Housing Association, the Gulmohar area society welfare group, and the Balabhai Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai opposing the proposed alignment of the Metro 2B line. The petitioners sought for the line to be constructed underground.
Not possible to construct line partly underground partly elevated: MMRDA
The MMRDA, however, said that the benefits of an elevated Metro line are more than an underground line in terms of finance and time. "It is not possible to make Metro 2B line partly underground and partly elevated as it entails huge land requirement for location of facilities for going underground and coming overground. Such land is not available," the affidavit said.
Petitioners cannot decide construction design; requires scientific experience: MMRDA
"The construction of underground Metro takes over six years, while an elevated line can be completed within four years," the affidavit said. It added that an elevated Metro line costs Rs. 95cr/km, whereas an underground line costs Rs. 540cr/km. It said the petitioners cannot decide whether the Metro line should be underground or elevated as it a "highly technical issue" requiring scientific experience.
Court gives further hearing date of July 13
A division bench of Justices AS Oka and Riyaz Chagla yesterday posted the petition for further hearing on July 13. "The earlier statement made by MMRDA that at this stage they are only carrying out soil testing work for the line and will not carry out any further work shall carry on till the next date of hearing," the court said.
