Residents upset with Kurla road closure plan

Residents of Aayeshabai Rangari Chawl in Kurla, who live near the Match Factory Lane, are upset that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to close it.

Residents of Aayeshabai Rangari Chawl in Kurla, who live near the Match Factory Lane, are upset that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to close it.

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The chawl houses 40 families, who use the lane that connects to two roads that lead to Kurla railway station. "We were not informed by the BMC or any other agency about the closure of the lane. We don't know from where it will be closed," said Santosh Sonawane, whose family has lived in the area for more than five decades and whose grandfather has worked in Swan Mill — the plot where the commercial complex is being developed, for which the lane is being shifted.

"If it is to be closed permanently, we will take double the time to reach Kurla railway station. Who will compensate this inconvenience?" asked Suresh Mhaismale, another resident.

Manoj Kotak, chairman of the BMC's improvements committee, justifies the decision. "It will not cause convenience to the local people. In fact, they will get a bigger road that will cater to the future needs," he said.

Rajeev Piramal, executive vice-chairman, Peninsula Land, said: "The only benefit to the developer by shifting the lane is by virtue of getting a contiguous holding, which will assist in preparing a proper layout and providing better open spaces and green areas. There will be a general improvement in the traffic network of the locality surrounding the holding."

The BMC's general body has to give its nod to the plan before it can be implemented.