News: State seeks to fly over delays in Mumbai mega projects

(DNA 28/03/2006) Mumbai - The state government’s tardiness in implementing mega transport projects in the city is creating a need to look at flyovers as a quick-fix solution, the controversial Peddar Road project being a prime example.

With the mega projects running up to 15 years behind schedule — thanks to poor planning and execution — the state has had to resort to the flyover as an immediate solution to the massive traffic congestion in the area.

Consider this: the Mumbai Metro, planned way back in the late 1970s, was only initiated in 2002. Even now, issues like gauge size (standard or broad) and rehabilitation are stalling the process.

Similarly, the passenger water transit system between Nariman Point and Borivli remains a non-starter since July 2003, when financial bids were submitted for a hovercraft service. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation took an entire year to issue a letter of intent to Mumbai-based Satyagiri Shipping, which won the contract. Parts of the project still await environmental clearance.

“Ideally, the project should have started by now,” said Satyagiri director Dinesh Joshi. “Also, we need single window clearance for the multiple clearances needed.”

The Worli-Bandra sea link has already missed its 2004 deadline, pushing its cost up from Rs420 crore to Rs1070 crore. The Western Island Freeway is also delayed, with doubts as to how the state will raise the Rs3,600 crore required. Technical consultants for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, connecting the city to Navi Mumbai, have only just been appointed.

The project, estimated to cost Rs4000 crore, was conceived in the 1970s.

“There is no will or vision in the leadership to implement these projects,” says BJP leader Nitin Gadkari. “Frankly, no one really cares for the ordinary commuter.”

But Gadkari favours persuading singer Lata Mangeshkar not to protest against the Peddar Road flyover.

“I am sure if its advantages of low pollution and ease in traffic movement are explained to her, she would agree,” he says.

State Public Works Minister Anil Deshmukh may call on Mangeshkar on Tuesday to hear her arguments against the flyover and present the government’s view.