In recent developments, BJP MP from Mumbai North East Manoj Kotak has stated that the delay in the metro railway project is due to the indifference of the Maharashtra government. Moreover, the relocation of the metro car shed has further increased the delay and hence the cost of the project is also increasing.
In a statement at the Lok Sabha, Kotak further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked to give impetus to metro rail schemes in different cities for the development of metros further adding that if there was a BJP government in any state, then metro projects were carried out.
Furthermore, he stated that as the project is being delayed, an extra provision of INR 3,000 crores has been made for reclamation beyond 600 meters on the Coastal Road. Speaking about the taxpayers money going to waste, Kotak stated that the metro project must be resumed immediately as it happens to be the responsibility of the Maharashtra Government, spearheaded by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
On the other hand, reports suggest that the MMRDA has sought the conversion of around 20,387 square metres of land in Aarey from a no-development zone into a residential zone. Necessary approvals for the same have been requested from the Urban Development Department (UDD). However, the status of the approvals has not been confirmed yet.
Moreover, the agency is seeking No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Chief Fire Officer, Tree Authority as well as the Stormwater Drains Department (SWD). As of now, only the SWD has offered a NOC to the agency while the remaining permissions are currently listed as being in various stages of the approval process.