Metro 3 project: Uddhav firm on better deal for Girgaon residents

Sena not to allow construction unless state lays out details of rehabilitation plan for locals

The proposed Metro-3 line connecting Colaba to SEEPZ might see a fresh derailment.

Three months after his party enforced a ‘bandh’ in the area demanding better rehabilitation for residents of 26 Girgaon and Kalbadevi buildings that will be demolished for the project, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has hardened his stance, saying his party will not allow construction to begin unless the state lays out finer details of the plan.

The project has been facing opposition from a few locals since they fear that the government’s promised alternative accommodation will not come through. The Sena backed the residents and even held protest meetings and shut down the area in March.

The BJP had, recently, accused the Sena of colluding with builders eyeing real estate development in the area to oppose the project. The proposed Metro 3 line, spanning across 33.5 kilometres and connecting SEEPZ, Bandra and Colaba will be built underground.

Speaking to HT, Thackeray demanded more clarity from the government before expecting his party to withdraw its opposition. Thackeray said these provisions must also be marked on the development plan (DP).

“There is rubbish doing the rounds that the Sena is opposed to the Metro, which is false. We are opposed to people being rendered homeless because of the Metro, and we will stick to this, no matter what anyone says.”

According to Thackeray, the explanations in defence of the project were unsatisfactory.

“When you say they will get new homes at the same spot, where will it be? Approve the construction, tell us where you’ll build it, how much FSI will they get, tell us who will build it. There is no clarity on any of this. Once you do all these, we will approve the plan.”

In fact, Thackeray hinted that mere verbal assurances may not do, the BMC must commit to it by showing it on its under-preparation DP.

“If you are preparing the plan and are showing a metro line over people’s homes, you must tell us what you are doing for the affected families. Tell us where you’ll build houses for them, we will approve the plan.”

He said, “Have you given them FSI yet, have you shown us where their new homes will be made? You haven’t. How can you have such an incomplete plan?”

Thackeray also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had failed to fulfil a promise for alternative homes made to people affected by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Raigad district.

Sena might oppose DP if not beneficial to the city: Uddhav

The project has been facing opposition from a few locals since they fear that the government’s promised alternative accommodation will not come through

The Sena backed the residents and even held protest meetings and shut down the area in March

The BJP had, recently, accused the Sena of colluding with builders eyeing real estate development in the area to oppose the project

The proposed Metro 3 line, spanning across 33.5 kilometres and connecting SEEPZ, Bandra and Colaba will be built underground

Thackeray said Sena could oppose the DP if it did not benefit the city. The DP has been opened up to citizens who have 60 days to tender in their comments.

There is time on the issue. People of the city have two months to comment on it. We had our initial reservations on it, which we’ve voiced already. When the DP comes to the corporation again in November we will assess whether it is in the interest of the city or not and formulate our stand accordingly.”