Will Metro 3 Car Shed Now Be Shifted to Royal Palms From Aarey?

The Uddhav Thackeray led government had appointed a committee, which was headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Manoj Saunik. The task of the committee was to look for alternatives for Metro 3 (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz) car shed. The earlier proposal had suggested that the car shed should be constructed in Aarey.

The committee also included the Municipal Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi,  Managing Director of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation, Principle Secretary (Environment) and the Chief forest conservator of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali).  Earlier this month, Manoj Saunik submitted a report to the State Government stating that there are 'no viable alternatives available'. 

However, Environment and Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray came forward and said that there's no reason to worry as the complete report is yet to be submitted. Even if the report has been submitted to the Chief Minister Office (CMO), the recommendations are not binding. Final decisions will be taken only after studying the report.   

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The state government authorities are now considering Royal Palms in Goregaon near Vyarali village as an alternative site for Metro 3 car shed. It has been stated that the developer of Royal Palms has received the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) in lieu. Earlier, a Kanjurmarg site had been suggested which was not approved as it was 'not feasible'. 

The committee had even suggested a site in Jogeshwari. However, the Jogeshwari site wasn't a part of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s (MMRCL) list of alternate sites. It is a 102-acre plot and houses a camp of the State Reserve Police Force and has residential blocks and training facility for the personnel. The open ground is used for training. Moreover, it is at a mere distance of 6 km from SEEPZ, which will be the last station for the Metro 3 corridor. Taking note of the above factors, the committee is considering to use the space for Metro 3 car shed. 

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