MMRDA rejected ‘marshy’ Mumbai site for Metro-3 depot, but wants it for Metro-6

Activists have long suggested that a car depot for the Metro-3 corridor be built at Kanjurmarg instead of Aarey colony, one of Mumbai’s green lungs

A car depot for the recently approved Metro-6 corridor at Kanjurmarg has made activists question the Maharashtra government’s motives yet again. Activists have long suggested that a car depot for the Metro-3 corridor (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz) be built at Kanjurmarg instead of Aarey colony, one of the city’s green lungs.

The Maharashtra cabinet approved the Metro-6 line on Tuesday. (HT File)

The Maharashtra cabinet approved the Metro-6 line on Tuesday. The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) identified a 18-hectare plot in Kanjurmarg for the car depot, which is currently under litigation.

Jyoti Sharma, a member of the Aarey conservation group, said Kanjurmarg was one of the seven options identified as an alternative to Aarey. “The Kanjurmarg land was always available, but when we listed it as an option, authorities told us it was unsuitable as it is a marsh. If officials agree to a slight change in plan, 3,000 trees will be saved,” she said. Stalin D, an activist from NGO Vanashakti tweeted to CM Fadnavis asking how the Metro-6 car shed at Kanjurmarg would be built on a marsh.