‘The problems have been sorted out’

Additional Metropolitan Commissioner SVR Srinivas was hopeful that at least two major road links would open by December, shortening travel times and reducing traffic congestion.

Additional Metropolitan Commissioner SVR Srinivas was hopeful that at least two major road links would open by December, shortening travel times and reducing traffic congestion.

When can we see the completion of east-west connectivity projects? Have all impediments been removed?
We hope to complete the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) and Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR) by December. There were problems with clearances, contractual approvals and rehabilitation, which have now been sorted out. We are also looking at expediting work on the Anik-Panjrapol Link Road, which is a big project.

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These links, especially SCLR, pass over railway tracks and were stuck due to lack of clearances. Have the railway clearances come through?
We have got approval from the railways now and are working out the required rail traffic blocks for construction. Initially, they had given us too little time. Now a revised time for carrying out rail traffic blocks is being worked out.

Recently, World Bank officials visited some of the sites. What was their reaction?
The World Bank asked us to maintain the initial deadline of June 2011. However, we said it was not possible and it must be revised to December. Even the Central Government told the World Bank the same.