Plan to build elevated rail, road on same pier

Plan to build elevated rail, road on same pier

Mumbai





In a bid to resolve the city's traffic woes, the state government proposes to build a road corridor along the elevated railway corridor between Churchgate-Virar and CST-Panvel on the same pier. The idea was discussed at a meeting between railway minister Suresh Prabhu and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to take stock of various projects in Maharashtra, especially Mumbai.
“Along with the elevated railway corridor, a six-lane road is also proposed,“ said Prabhu. This proposal can also be implemented while executing other projects, including the monorail corridor or Mumbai Trans Harbour link between Sewri and Nhava.
“The pier can be built strong enough to handle road as well as rail traffic. This will ensure faster execution of work as there will no hurdles for acquiring land, which generally delays projects leading to cost overruns,“ said a state official.
Prabhu said the state also plans to set up an integrated transport authority that will comprise representation from MMRDA, BEST, BMC, Western Railway , Central Railway , Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation and other transport departments to ensure faster execution of projects as there will be improved coordination between the various agencies.
Prabhu added that his ministry will give approvals to build road overbridges above railway tracks within 60 days through an online system. He also assured that railway projects proposed under the Mumbai Urban Transport Proje ct­III will be approved in this year's railway budget. MUTP-III includes Airoli-Kalwa link, new suburban corridor between Panvel and Virar and quadrupling of tracks between Virar and Dahanu. The ministry also plans to provide bio-toilets in trains that arrive in Mumbai and Pune in the next two years.
CM considers staggered work hours to beat rush
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday gave an assurance that the state government will consider staggered office timings to reduce road and rail traffic during rush hours. Central Railway had earlier suggested to the state to implement staggered timings in its offices to reduce overcrowding on trains during peak hours.