Metro rail projects in Maharashtra won’t need nod from local bodies

The move -- which means Metro projects won’t have to seek nod from municipal corporations and local planning authorities whose jurisdiction they pass through -- will ensure speedy execution of work

After exempting Metro projects in Mumbai from taking permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the state government on Monday decided to extend the special status for these projects across Maharashtra.

The state government earlier exempted the Metro from seeking BMC nod, as its ally Shiv Sena is against the construction of the Metro-3 car shed at Aarey. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the special status tag, alleging the state is bypassing the local authority, while implementing a crucial infrastructure project. (FILE)

The move -- which means Metro projects across the state won’t have to seek nod from municipal corporations and local planning authorities whose jurisdiction they pass through -- will ensure speedy execution of the work, especially the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

While three proposed Metro lines pass through Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander and Bhiwandi-Nizampur, one passes through Navi Mumbai. The state government has undertaken Metro rail projects in Nagpur and Pune too.

The urban development department on Monday announced its decision to amend the development control regulations (DCR) to include the provision for Metro, and issued a notice inviting suggestions and objections on the proposed modification within a month. A final notification will be issued after making changes based on the suggestions.

The state government also plans to exempt mono-rail and light rail transit (LRT) projects from taking permissions from local authorities. It means all such projects, if proposed in the future, will not need any permission from them.