Advertisement

MMRA completes Phase One of Mumbai Mile project in six months

MMRA has laid emphasis on creating a pedestrian friendly environment as well as dealing with the problem of decongestion which has prevailed through the area for years.

MMRA completes Phase One of Mumbai Mile project in six months
SHARES

The North end of the Revamped Fergusson Flyover was put open for public on Tuesday, April 24,  as the completion of the First Phase of Mumbai Mile project was announced by Mumbai Mile Regeneration Association (MMRA). 

The refurbished space increases pedestrian crossings, making existing crossings safe, accessible, adding public toilets, and dustbins as well as incorporates changes in a few U-turn locations in consultation with Mumbai Traffic Police. MLA Sunil Shinde inaugurated the new space under the Fergusson flyover.

MMRA is a non-profit group formed by residents, developers, corporates, and private stakeholders who have offices along the Senapati Bapat Marg at Lower Parel.

Initially, MLA Shinde opposed the regeneration of the under-flyover space but later cleared out that he was against it due to ‘lack of dialogue between the public and the authorities’. Shinde in his press release said,


Initially I was apprehensive about this project but when I weighed the benefits that will accrue to local residents, small businesses, pedestrians, taxi operators, and also towards traffic decongestion, I agreed to support this unique initiative. It is my vision to make my constituency more livable and accessible to the common man. It is commendable to see how collaboration between government institutions and private companies such as Lodha Group, Ambit, HDFC Bank, Empire Estate, Peninsula Towers, Phoenix Mills, & Casa Grande can work wonders and create this beautiful promenade.”

The Mumbai Mile project has been divided into three phases, out of which the Phase One has been completed in the span of six months and the design of the second phase is ready as per the architecture firm, Studio Pomegranate which is regulating the regeneration of the flyover. The Phase Two includes all the remaining under-flyover space from the Lower Parel end to the Deepak Cinema junction. The Third Phase of the project will consist to refurbish the footpaths situated on both sides of the flyover.



The key features of the redeveloped stretch are:

  • Taxi bays on both side of the road and U-turn relocation that will ease traffic chaos created by share-taxi operators
  • NASA-approved plants which are capable of mitigating pollution and can stave off mosquitoes
  • Seven pedestrian walkways for smooth and quick pedestrian movement
  • Pay-and- use toilets for pedestrians, a dedicated area for traffic police with seating space as well as dustbins and LED lights

Arvind Subramanian, Regional CEO, Lodha Group revealed his happiness on how the amalgamation between private organisations and government can lead to remarkable results. In his press release, he said,

We believe that Mumbaikars should have access to a world-class live-work-recreate district in Lower Parel. Today, Mumbai Mile is a classic example of public and private participation for urban upliftment, and we are glad that we could contribute towards getting this transformation started. We hope that, under the aegis of the Mumbai Mile Association, we can together create an international standard boulevard which can foster community development, and make efficient use of every publicly accessible space."

Phase One has been funded as well as executed by the Lodha Group which is also one of the founding members of the Mumbai Mile Association. The CEO emphasised that the major objective of the project is to decongest the traffic which has been a frequent problem for the local residents.

The initiative by MMRA definitely sets a remarkable example of ‘where there is a will, there is a way.’ But now the responsibility to conserve and maintain the redeveloped site falls to the shoulders of the locals as well as the civilians. It would be notable, how the recent developments cure the problems of traffic as well as congestion in the area which have prevailed for too long.

RELATED TOPICS
Advertisement
MumbaiLive would like to send you latest news updates