Central push for city’s infra projects?

CM likely to ask Prime Minister to ensure swift clearances for the trans harbour link, second Metro line and other transport projects

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is likely to ask Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for help in speeding up infrastructure projects when the PM arrives in city on a two-day visit in the second week of August.

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Major infrastructure projects in Mumbai such as the Mumbai trans harbour link (Sewri-Nhava sealink), the Navi Mumbai airport, Metro railway and coastal roads are stuck pending various clearances from the Centre.

The move could be perceived as Chavan's bid to counter allegations of being sluggish and indecisive. Of late, the CM seems to have shifted gears and has asked bureaucrats handling these projects to get clearances faster. Putting projects in construction mode would show he is delivering the goods.

During his meeting with the Prime Minster in Mumbai, Chavan is likely to seek central intervention in giving the stalled Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd Metro some impetus. The second metro line is stuck for want of environment clearances from the Centre.

The CM is also likely to seek help for the multi-modal corridor, which comprises a high-speed road from Alibaug to Virar. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), however, needs to acquire nearly 1,261 hectares of land, which MMRDA officials estimate, will cost Rs 1,800 crore at present estimates and rules. However, as per the new land acquisition policy that the Centre is planning, the project could face a lot of trouble.

Chavan is also likely to take up the case of the Mumbai trans harbour link and the coastal road project, for which the Centre may have to amend environment laws and allow reclamation.

Demand for help in the Middle Vaitarna project is expected to be raised too.