New lines between Thanediva: MRVC seeks approval to construct flyover

MUMBAI : Under pressure to complete the laying of fifth and sixth rail lines between Thane and Diva by the March 2019 deadline, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has undertaken fresh efforts to speed up the process for getting permission from the forest department for constructing a flyover, by cutting mangroves near Mumbra station.

Acting on the railway board chairman Ashwani Lohani’s directive to complete the project by the set deadline during his Mumbai visit earlier this week, the MRVC has written to the forest department for permission to build a flyover in the area under mangrove cover.

“We have started pursuing the issue with the forest department freshly,” said a senior MRVC official.

MRVC officials said they have written to the Nagpur-based office of state forest department for permission. On the basis of their reply, the high court will grant permission for cutting mangroves to pave way for the 400 metre-long flyover.

According to MRVC officials, it will take at least six months to build the new flyover after getting the permission.