India’s longest waterway comes up in Mumbai
India’s longest passenger waterway is soon going to be launched in Mumbai. The waterway, also known as ‘water metro’ has been initiated as a passenger water transport system which could ease traffic in south Mumbai.
The ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has given the final nod for the waterways which will be a passenger water transport system on the western coast, not the one in eastern coast, which was primarily used to ferry cargo include vehicles.
With the implementation of this water metro, traffic will be eased, thereby compensating the environmental loss by construction of six stations for the 55 km long waterway whereas the environmental benefit of cargo waterway would not be substantial.
In the era of environment facilitating, with the development of waterways, it would be an alternative in Mumbai to ease commuting and also save time and fuel consumption.
Till date six water terminals have been approved by the committee. The terminals are at Nariman Point, Bandra, Juhu, Versova, Marve and Borivali.
Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has proposed the construction of the said terminals at the cost of Rs 75 crore. In phaseI, terminals would be built at Nariman Point, Bandra and Juhu and the remaining would be developed in phase phase-II.
There will be many other developments apart from the terminals. The offshore developmental activities would include terminal buildings, access roads and amenities such as ticket counters, arrival and departure lounges, restaurants and shops while the onshore development would include berthing and waiting facilities.
However, while construction the committee has placed strict instructions saving the environment. There can not be any reclamation of land for the project. Also, the development authority has to seek Bombay High Court to remove 1000 sq meters of mangroves to build approach roads to terminals for the waterways.
The passenger terminals will also be integrated with other modes of transports such as buses and noise barriers would be installed at the Nariman Point terminal.
Also, it has been claimed that a part of the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar metro route would be open to the public in March 2013.
As per reports, the metro services for Versova and Airport road station have been stopped and will start at one go up to Ghatkopar with the upcoming metro construction.
Related Civic Issue News:
Metro construction work started in full swing
Metro in Mumbai still a dream
State govt asks PMC to speed up metro project
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