Western Railway has issued a substantial demand of ₹395 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for Right of Way (RoW) license fees concerning underground water pipelines traversing railway-owned land. This contentious demand, covering a decade and payable in advance, has sparked concern among civic officials and public policy experts.
The dispute highlights critical challenges in inter-governmental cooperation and urban infrastructure financing, with potential ramifications for Mumbai’s sustainable development and equitable access to essential services. The core of the dispute lies in Western Railway’s valuation of the RoW fees, which is based on prevailing market rates of the land situated above these vital pipelines. This approach has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from prominent railway activist Samir Zaveri, who obtained the details through a Right to Information (RTI) request. Zaveri argues that treating essential public services like water supply as a revenue-generating asset undermines the fundamental principle of public welfare and inter-governmental collaboration. Mumbai’s water supply, delivered at a highly subsidised rate of just 5 paise per litre, is a lifeline for millions of residents, making any cost escalation a matter of significant public concern.
The financial imposition, if upheld, could set a concerning precedent for other critical civic infrastructure projects that rely on traversing railway land. In a rapidly urbanising metropolis like Mumbai, where space is at a premium and infrastructure development is continuous, the ability of various public agencies to collaborate seamlessly is paramount. Demands for exorbitant RoW fees can create significant financial burdens on civic bodies, potentially delaying or even halting projects that are crucial for the city’s growth, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its diverse population. This directly impacts efforts to build zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities, as delays in infrastructure can lead to less efficient systems and increased resource consumption.
The appeal by RTI activist Samir Zaveri to the Ministry of Railways and the central government for a waiver or significant reduction in these charges underscores the broader societal interest at stake. The argument is rooted in the public utility of these pipelines, which are indispensable for delivering clean, filtered drinking water across the city. Any increase in operational costs for the BMC, stemming from such fees, could ultimately translate into higher water charges for consumers or a diversion of funds from other essential civic services, disproportionately affecting economically vulnerable segments of the population and hindering the progress towards equitable urban development.
This inter-agency dispute highlights a systemic challenge in India’s urban governance: the need for harmonised policies and collaborative frameworks among various governmental entities. While railways operate under their own mandates, the provision of essential civic services by municipal corporations is equally critical for urban functionality. A lack of clarity or a revenue-first approach in such interactions can inadvertently create barriers to sustainable development. For a city like Mumbai, striving for resilience and inclusivity, fostering a spirit of mutual cooperation and prioritising public welfare over revenue maximisation in critical infrastructure matters is essential.
The outcome of this dispute will have far-reaching implications beyond just the financial demand. It will set a precedent for how public land is valued for essential services and how inter-governmental collaborations are structured in the future. For a city committed to becoming truly sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable, ensuring unhindered access to basic amenities like water, without undue financial burden, is a non-negotiable imperative. The resolution of this issue will serve as a crucial test of the commitment to integrated urban planning that prioritises the collective well-being of Mumbai’s millions.
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