"435-Acre Metro Car Shed in Thane for Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11"

In a significant development, plans for an integrated metro car shed covering a sprawling 435-acre plot in Mogarpada, Thane, have been set in motion to accommodate Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11, as well as the coastal road. The estimated cost for these four metro routes is projected to be Rs. 28,700 crore.

With this land allocation, the state government has now provided land for car sheds for nearly 11 metro routes, with the exception of Lines 7 and 7A. Notably, the construction of Metro Line 8, connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport, remains in the conceptual phase.

On Monday, the State Urban Development Department issued a Government Resolution (GR) that allocated the land to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) without any cost. MMRDA is tasked with the execution of these projects. Out of the total 174 hectares, approximately 29 hectares covered by mangroves and nine hectares designated for the BMC have been excluded from the allocation.

Following the completion of the infrastructure projects, the surplus land is earmarked for residential and commercial purposes. The GR designates MMRDA as the special planning authority responsible for executing these residential and commercial ventures.

The land in question holds significance for 167 farmers granted Class II occupancy, in addition to 31 villagers who have encroached on these lands. Eligibility determinations will be managed by the district collector, and MMRDA will provide compensation, which may include developed land. Land allocation will adhere to CIDCO guidelines, and in cases involving tribals residing on the land, necessary permissions will be granted by the collector, as specified in the GR.

To expedite the construction of the metro car shed for Metro Lines 4 and 4A, the GR states that the land is to be transferred to MMRDA without any encumbrances, with no further governmental or collector permissions required for any transactions. Additionally, the GR clarifies that no unearned income will be sought from the authority.

ET