‘Metro-4 will add to traffic chaos at Ghatkopar’
Mumbai:residents of Ghatkopar (East) gathered on Sunday morning to protest the modified route for Metro-4 (Wadalathane-kasarvadaval), which is slated to pass through Amar Mahal Junction, Garodia Nagar, Pant Nagar and Laxmi Nagar in the suburbs.
The protestors claimed that the updated route is likely to worsen the traffic situation in the area.
Sunil Joisar, co-convener, Ghatkopar People’s Forum, said that none of the residents’ representatives were approached before the route was changed. The incoming traffic from the metro would lead to a rise in the number of roadside eateries, increase in congestion due to public transport vehicles’ pick-up points, and decrease in road width, said the association.
An official from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the body responsible for the construction of the metro, said, “We will access the feasibility of the route and an appropriate decision will be taken in some time.”
“We are not against development. Our concern is that the original route was through the Eastern Express Highway (EEH), which has now been changed to pass through Ghatkopar. With the metro traffic coming in, the traffic – which has already multiplied four-fold in the last five years – will become the worse. The only green stretch in our area will be ruined,” said Joisar.
Residents said they will now approach chief minister Devendra Fadnavis with the backing of 90 societies and 4,500 individuals.
“We are trying our best to get our demands approved. Otherwise, we can always turn to the judiciary,” said Pravin Chheda, former corporator.