In a significant development for Mumbai’s infrastructural landscape, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has secured critical permissions for several high-priority projects, paving the way for faster execution. This comes after a pivotal meeting between MMRDA chief Dr Sanjay Mukherjee and Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare, held on Monday. The discussion focused on streamlining the approval process for key projects that have been pending traffic-related clearances.
As a result of this productive dialogue, MMRDA obtained 17 essential approvals across nine major projects, which include the much-awaited Sewri-Worli Connector, Metro Lines 2B and 6, and the Missing Link Flyover. These projects are key components of Mumbai’s growing infrastructure network and are crucial to enhancing the city’s public transport system and reducing traffic congestion. Dr Mukherjee highlighted the importance of these approvals, noting that the granted permissions are critical to the timely completion of the projects and the realisation of the ambitious ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ vision. The timely delivery of these initiatives is expected to significantly improve travel times and ease traffic woes in the city.
The approvals cover a range of permissions, including traffic diversions and road closures, which are necessary to implement the projects. Specific approvals for Metro Line 2B include traffic permission for the entire stretch from DN Nagar to Mandale, as well as the height gauge near Milan Subway Junction. Further, the work on Metro Line 6 will proceed smoothly with the clearance for traffic diversions at IIT Powai and Mahakali Caves, among other areas. One of the key projects, the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, has also received crucial approvals, including permission for road closures and the shifting of signal poles on Acharya Donde Marg. Similarly, significant developments like the Missing Link Flyover and Metro Line 9 are moving forward with extensions of their respective traffic permissions.
The MMRDA has also been granted approvals for the elevated stretches of Metro Line-7A along the Western Express Highway (WEH), as well as the vehicular underpass at Janta Colony in Jogeshwari, which will help improve connectivity and alleviate traffic bottlenecks. Additionally, the ongoing widening and construction of the Akurli Subway on the WEH will be completed with the newly granted permissions. The 17 approvals will ensure that work can continue without delay and will accelerate the timeline for completion, benefiting millions of commuters in Mumbai. With these permissions in place, MMRDA is now poised to push forward with its ambitious plans to transform the city’s transport infrastructure, fostering greater connectivity and contributing to Mumbai’s urban growth.
The MMRDA’s collaboration with the traffic authorities underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to address the city’s infrastructure needs, particularly in light of its burgeoning population and rapidly growing urban demands. The approvals mark a crucial milestone in the city’s journey toward becoming a more connected and accessible metropolis.
