Why isn’t Mumbai's Metro II off ground? Reliance Infra complains - DNA - 19/12/2011

Why isn’t Mumbai's Metro II off ground? Reliance Infra complains

Published: Monday, Dec 19, 2011, 9:00 IST 

By Ninad Siddhaye | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA

Frustrated with the slow pace of work on the 32-km Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd metro line, top Reliance Infrastructure officials have written to the chief minister detailing how delays by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Central and Western railway authorities have begun to hurt the project. In their 13-page letter sent about a month ago, the officials have said if delays continue, the project will not be financially viable for the R-Infra-led consortium.

R-Infra is the leading partner along with a Canadian company SNC Lavalin in a consortium called Mumbai Metro Transport Pvt Ltd (MMTPL). However, hardly any work has commenced on the alignment. “We have been given only 35% of the total land and construction area (also called right of way), while MMRDA has failed to provide us with crucial car depot land plots at both ends of the metro line-Charkop and Mankhurd. Without the plots, we cannot start work as they are used as casting yards,” says the letter, a copy of which is with DNA.

Other pending issues cited in the letter pertain to the railways. “Although the project alignment crosses the railway tracks at Bandra, Kurla and near Mankhurd, the MMRDA has till date approved only one of the total requirement of four railway crossings,” adds the letter signed by Anil Gupta, R-Infra president and head of infrastructure division.

The consortium has complained that the MMRDA and the state have failed to clear the commercial development right of the area of 27 stations which will be a part of the alignment. “MMTPL is to get 4,000 sqm space on each of these stations. The prevalent development control regulations are under modification since August 2009 and the final regulation is yet to be notified by the government. Any alteration in the scheme of space availability to MMTPL will impact the financial viability of the project, which shall in turn impact the estimates of viability gap funding agreed to between R-Infra and the government or the MMRDA,” says the letter.

While MMRDA officials were tight-lipped about the development, an official on condition of anonymity said an official answer to the letter will be sent to MMTPL soon. “We’ve said we would hand over the land once we obtain the environmental clearances,” said the official.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_why-isnt-mumbai-s-metro-ii-off-ground-reliance-infra-complains_1627467

City may lose 10 open spaces - Hindustan Times -7/7/11

City may lose 10 open spaces
Bhavika Jain, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, July 07, 2011

The city, already starved for open spaces, may lose ten more plots reserved as recreational grounds and play grounds. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed to de-reserve these plots to construct car sheds, for the Charkop –Bandra- Mankhurd metro line.

The MMRDA-the nodal authority for the construction of the Mumbai metro– needs to construct two car sheds; one at Charkop measuring 19.6 hectares and the other at Mankhurd, measuring 24 hectares. For this, it needs to de-reserve the current land use reservations on these plots.

The proposals to change the reservations on these two plots were tabled in the civic improvements committee in March, and are still under consideration.

The MMRDA wants to start construction on the second line by October and has requested the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to clear the two proposals at the earliest. Towards this purpose, on Wednesday, R Ramanna, the additional chief (transport and communication cell), MMRDA made a presentation to the civic improvements committee chairman Bhalchandra Shirsat.

The area in Charkhop has more than 15 reservations, including 10 open spaces, a police station, post office and temple. It also has mangroves and over 1,200 families from slums are occupying a part of the land there. Most of the land falls under Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ-1)

The 10 open spaces amount to more than 83,000 sqm of area. The plot in Mankhurd, on the other hand, is entirely marked as a No-Development Zone.

“We want the project to happen for the development of the city, but they will have to tell us what will happen to those families living there,” said Shirsat.

He also said that the civic body wants more details on the commercial activities proposed on the plot. However, the loss of open spaces and public amenities has not cropped up as a hurdle to clearing the proposal. “In a city where open spaces are dwindling, the corporators want to de-reserve more of them. They can surely find another area for the construction of car sheds,” said Nayana Kathpalia, of Citispace, an city-based NGO fighting for open spaces.

The city fares poorly with regard to open spaces. International standards for open spaces are four acres of land per thousand people. As a stark contrast, in Mumbai the availability is merely 0.03 acres per thousand people.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/mumbai/City-may-lose-10-open-spaces/Article1-718242.aspx 

BMTC to phase out Metro feeder services? - Express Buzz - 3/11/11

BMTC to phase out Metro feeder services?

Shyam Sundar Vattam

Express News Service

Last Updated : 03 Nov 2011 09:54:14 AM IST

 

 

 

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) plans to gradually phase out feeder services to the ‘Namma Metro’ temporarily due to lack of patronage.

The corporation may re-introduce the feeder services once Phase 1 works are completed. The BMTC, before the inauguration of Metro train services, had deployed a fleet of buses to cater to the demands of commuters. But now it is finding difficult to run the service as not more than 2 or 3 commuters travel in each bus even during peak hours. More than the cost, the BMTC feels, it is not viable to run the buses empty even in busy hours.

“The corporation does not mind running feeder buses even if there are 15-16 passengers in each bus but certainly not for 2-3 persons,” said Srinivasan, Managing Director of BMTC. 

He told Express that the idea of having feeder services is to facilitate the commuters of Metro train. Now it is found that there are not many passengers for feeder buses. Besides, Byappanahalli Metro Station is not a work centre because of which there are no regular commuters in these buses. 

People may start using feeder services if the Metro train service is extended up to Peenya or other places where there are big chunks of workers. In view of this, the BMTC has started phasing out the feeder services at many places. 

It is also running feeder services from far off places like Majestic and Banashankari since many people are flocking M G Road and Byappanahalli stations for a ‘jolly ride’ in Metro trains. 

“The feeder services are being withdrawn from most parts of the city. We are hopeful of reintroducing them once Phase 1 works are over so that it will be more effective,” Srinivasan said. 

Meanwhile, around 9am on Tuesday, there were hardly a dozen people in three coaches of the metro train, a commuter told Express.
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/bmtc-to-phase-out-metro-feeder-services/329315.html

 

Mumbai citizens to protest Metro construction's slow progress - DNA - 5/11/2011

Mumbai citizens to protest Metro construction's slow progress

Published: Saturday, Nov 5, 2011, 1:01 IST 
By DNA Correspondent | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA

he delay in the completion of the city’s most awaited and ambitious Metro Railway project has irked the suburban population of Mumbai. People living in the areas of construction are all set to register their protest against the authorities at three different places on Saturday from 12pm to 6pm.

The construction, which was supposed to conclude by the end of 2011, is far from being completed. "There are approximately 30 lakh people residing in the areas of Varsova, Vira Desai, Andheri, SEEPZ, Sakinaka and Ghatkopar. There are commercial complexes, airport and a number of industries which make these a high traffic area. The metro rail work, which is progressing at snail’s pace has added to the misery of the commuters as well as the residents in the area," said Shailendra Kamble, secretary, Eastern Suburbs Tehsil committee of Communist Party of India (Marxist). He added that, along with traffic jams the residents are also facing problems related to water, electricity and telephone services.

"The air pollution due to continuous construction activity is another problem. There are heaps of soil, iron rods, machines, barricades etc blocking the road, putting people's lives in danger," added Kamble. The leftist party along with Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), has planned demonstrations today at three places, namely Marol Naka, Saki Naka junction and Andheri(W) near Singar hotel, demanding that the construction speed up.

DYFI had initiated a movement few years ago, demanding the quadrupling of railway lines between Borivli and Virar, a demand that was fulfilled after continuous struggle. Now the organisation is planning to launch a similar mass movement in the western suburbs for the Metro Railway project.

"We are not against the project, but the clash between BMC and MMRDA is slowing the work down and citizens are losing their patience," he said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_mumbai-citizens-to-protest-metro-construction-s-slow-progress_1607662

 

GHMC won’t take up metro rail civic works: Panel - Times of India -25/11/2011

GHMC won’t take up metro rail civic works: Panel

TNN | Nov 25, 2011, 02.33AM IST

HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) standing committee has rejected to take up civic works on the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) corridors. A resolution to this effect was passed by the standing committee meeting on Thursday. 

Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) members raised objections over the issue of civic works like formation of footpath, construction of storm water drains on the Musheerabad-RTC Crossroads- Narayanguda stretch to be taken up at a cost of Rs 11 crore after widening the roads for Hyderabad Metro Rail. Metro corridor-2 from JBS to Falaknuma passes through Musheerabad and Narayanaguda. The road is being widened to 100 feet by the GHMC, but funds for land acquisition are being released by the HMR. "Why should the GHMC spend Rs 11 crore for HMR's works? HMR should release funds for these works," the MIM members pointed out. 

The MIM members also said the rail developer, L&T, would get good ad revenue once the road would be widened and metro rail becomes operational. The members demanded a resolution should be passed demanding 50% advertisement revenue from the developer after metro trains become operational. Agreeing on the concern, the standing committee adopted a unanimous resolution on the issue.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/GHMC-wont-take-up-metro-rail-civic-works-Panel/articleshow/10862294.cms

English Translation of MCGM Letter

Ta.Ka.No.198

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai

             No.Ma.Che/5842 / Manpa

Office of Municipal Corporation

Mumbai Date:30.08.2011

TRUE COPY

To
The Administrative Officer (Committee)
Office of Municipal Commissioner- Mumbai.

Ref:  Memo No. MCT / 7649 dated 29.08.2011

Sir,

I wish to inform you that following resolution is passed in the meeting of Municipal Corporation on 29.08.2011.  

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION RESOLUTION No..529 dated 29th August ‘ 2011.

“Ref:  

1) Commissioner’s letter No.Praa/vi.ni/1836 / PuUp.M dated 3.5.2010

2) Statement made by Dy. Commissioner (Improvement) of Municipal Corporation on 31.5.2010 in the meeting of Improvement Committee

3) Noting  of members after  inspecting the said sites by Members of improvement Committee on 19.6.2010

4) Commissioner’s Report  No.PraA/2648 /Vini/PuUp.M dated 13.9.2010 and 5) Resolution No.78 of Improvement Committee dated 5.8.2011.

Urban Land Development Department of Government of  Maharashtra has published  Notification as per latest revised Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, 1966, clause 37(1AA) on 5th December ‘ 2009 bearing no.TPB/4308 /2993 / pra.kra -331 / 08 / Navi -11 in accordance with the said notification CTS NO.1(Part), 3 (Part), 4 (part), 5 (part) and 6(Part) of Village Mandale and CTS No.3 (Part) of Village Turbhe being area falling under  “Non- development Zone”,  area of 24 hectares of land reserved for proposed Metro Rail is to be excluded and the balance area is to be converted into Zone I-3 in such a way that the said land can be used for MRTS, Car Depot / Work Shop, equivalent project and commercial (Use)   and to be included in reservation for these reasons.  Government has informed this to Dy. Director Town Planning giving their opinion to make necessary changes in the re-development plan and to include the same in the reservation.  The said  proposal is put up by the Commissioner for approval.

1) Mumbai Municipal Corporation is not agreeing with the said opinion  

2) The residence of that area who would  be affected due to the said Project are required to be rehabilitated in that area only.  There would not be  Environmental damage to existing Mangroves of that area which is to be taken into account.  

3)  The land required for project is not explained as to  whom it belongs i.e. Municipal Corporation or Government of Maharashtra.  Municipal Corporation has been acquiring land under various reservations.  However when the said land is given to Metro Rail Project what benefit Municipal Corporation will be getting is not clearly mentioned.  

4) Metro Rail has damaged many kilometers of roads belonging to MCGM in their area.  However Metro Rail has not made any provision for repairing  the said roads or to re-built the said roads. 

5) To vacate and acquire 100 acres of land under the name of Metro Rail and to make use of the said land for commercial purpose and thereby benefitting  few companies, MCGM is opposing this proposal  and

6) Additional FSI is being created above the area of Metro Rail Station and the same is being enforced upon the  Mumbai City.  

For these reasons  permission is not granted.

2)  In connection with the subject matter, the members of Improvement Committee had inspected the said sites and in that respect observations made are to be  submitted in the office for record.      

For Secretary – Mumbai Mahanagarpalika

Ajit Pawar defends NCP’s stand on Pune metro - DNA - 6/11/2011

Ajit Pawar defends NCP’s stand on Pune metro

Published: Sunday, Nov 6, 2011, 16:59 IST 
By DNA Correspondent | Place: Pune

Deputy chief minister and leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Ajit Pawar on Saturday justified the about turn by his party on the proposed metro railway project and bio-diversity 
park (BDP).

Pawar was speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an event in the city. He indirectly expressed unhappiness about chief minister Prithviraj Chavan who on Monday had declared in the city that 4% construction would be allowed in the BDP.

He said, “I had told the chief minister that citizens in Pune have different opinions about allowing construction in BDP. Hence, opinions of all groups should be taken into account before declaring a decision about it.’’

He said that people are suffering due to elevated metro railway projects in Bangalore and Mumbai. Although the expenditure for underground metro is three times that of elevated metro, it is more beneficial in the long run.

Accoring to Pawar, the NCP had initially supported the elevated metro railway project in the city in view of the expenditure. But considering the experience of citizens where elevated metro railway is built, NCP felt that there should be a correction in the stand. Work on the project has not even started in the city. “What is wrong in correcting the mistake?’’ Pawar asked.

Indicating opposition to allow construction in the BDP, he said that the NCP had nevertaken a stand about allowing construction. The party is of the opinion that hills around the city are its pride and they should remain green.

He said that funds can be raised with the help of central government, state government and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for the proposed BDP. Money can be raised also by providing transferable development rights (TDR) and floor space index (FSI) in other areas.

He challenged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gopinath Munde to prove that he has partnership with city builders.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_ajit-pawar-defends-ncps-stand-on-pune-metro_1608400

Motorists fume as debris piles up below Andheri metro girder - DNA - 11/11/2011

Motorists fume as debris piles up below Andheri metro girder

Published: Friday, Nov 11, 2011, 8:00 IST 
By Ninad Siddhaye | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA

To businessman Dinesh Pujari, the daily commute to an industrial estate in Saki Naka is no less than a ride through hell. Heaps of debris left unattended under the metro girders on the Andheri-Kurla Road pose a risk to hundreds of motorists.

“Right from the Western Express highway, the entire stretch of the Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR) is in a mess, thanks to the metro construction debris. While in some stretches, the debris is inside the metro fencing, major portions, where work has been completed, have heaps of debris, simply left unattended. Many portions of this debris have grass growing on it, which means that it has been there for ages now,” alleged Pujari.

Pranin Mankar, who works in the Hansa Industrial Estate on the Saki Vihar Road, complained that he suffered from frequent bouts of cough and cold due to dust from the open debris. “It is difficult to understand how such a high-level project leaves behind dust and debris even after construction of the girders is complete.”

Many motorists in Saki Naka complained of respiratory problems from travel on the AGLR.

Occupants of several industrial estates have now raised the issue with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). “I see minor mishaps, particularly those involving bikers when they take U-turns under the metro girder,” said Pujari.

While MMRDA spokesperson Dilip Kawathkar said it was the responsibility of the Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL) to remove the debris, he promised action.

A source in the MMOPL, though, was quick to rise to the firm’s defence. “Our company had in the past carried out a debris disposal programme, for which we took the help of an NGO and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. But, there are many private players who misuse the barricaded area to dump their own debris.”

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_motorists-fume-as-debris-piles-up-below-andheri-metro-girder_1610716