Metro-4 line construction work in dispute; Ghatkopar residents protest

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is working to develop a metro network to strengthen the transport system in Mumbai. 

However, on many occasions, citizens and environmental organisations have opposed some decisions of the government related to metro development, due to which the construction of metro is being delayed. Earlier, the locals opposed the Metro-2 line from Dahisar to D.N. Nagar and now, the protest against Colaba-Bandra-Seepz (Metro-3) has gone to the court.

Recently, MMRDA has started working on the Metro-4 project which will connect Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kasarvadavali. Reacting to this, the residents in Ghatkopar have protested against the same demanding change in route of the metro line.

Metro 4 line is supposed to connect Mumbai and Thane directly. As soon as MMRDA took charge of the project, it invited disputes.

Ghatkopar People’s Forum chief Pravin Chheda told Mumbai Live that the metro 4 work has changed the route between Amar Mahal to Pant Nagar depot by 1.5 kilometres. Metro 4 line is planned to pass 90 feet Road and this place witnesses huge traffic jams and for metro’s construction, this road will be closed for the next few years which will create massive traffic problems, said Pravin Chheda.

The forum has demanded that the metro-4 line shouldn't go from Amar Mahal to Pant Nagar but directly to Eastern Expressway. Chheda said that Metro-4 line actually was to go from Amar Mahal to Eastern Expressway and the route was changed later. If the metro route is directed towards Eastern Expressway, the residents of Kamraj Nagar, Peston Sagar, Rambai Colony will be benefited as there is no concrete transportation service in the area, Chheda informed.

Ghatkopar residents carried out a rally against the same on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Locals gathered at the 90 Feet road to protest and said that they will not let the metro line pass from here. Ghatkopar People’s Forum has appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and MMRDA to fulfill their demands or they will move to the court.