What is the status of the project? In the short period since February, how satisfied are you with the progress?
Things are fine. We propose to start work at Andheri soon. We met with the MCGM and MMRDA regarding the removal of temporary structures in the area.
The authorities have promised to remove the temporary structures without licenses (hawkers and peddlers on the pavements) within a day and licensed structures within a week to 10 days. Mostly, these are shop roofs jutting onto the main road and similar structures. They will have to be removed.
From what little work has begun, are things on schedule?
Things are certainly on target. The only issue we have right now is the DN Nagar land. This is the most crucial point for the line as the control tower and the yard are scheduled to come up here. The land in this area has still not been acquired and the government authorities are working on it.
We want this land acquired soon because it requires a lot of filling. It requires about 4 lakh cubic metres of filling to bring the area above the final flood level. From our side, we have invited tenders for the earthwork to ensure that once the land is given to us, we can begin work in the minimum possible time.
Image: Illustration of the Mumbai Metro rail bridge crossing over the Mithi river
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