Bullet train: HC tells NHSRCL, TMC to respond to builder’s plea

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) and the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to respond to a petition filed by a developer complaining that his on-going construction project has been stalled by the civic body as the site may be required for Mumbai-ahmedabad bullet train project.

The division bench of acting chief justice Naresh Patil and justice Girish Kulkarni has asked NHSRCL and TMC to file their respective affidavits in reply to the petition filed by Atlanta Limited by next week. In his petition, the developer complained that on May 2, 2018, TMC issued him a notice to stop work on a site near Mumbra where he has undertaken a construction project involving three buildings. “IOD and CC were issued long back,” said the developer’s lawyer, Mukesh Vashi. “Construction of two buildings is already done and the third is underway.” Vashi also said the notice asks them to put the construction work on hold till the final decision regarding acquisition of land within TMC limits for the bullet train project is taken. He contended that the developer was not averse to the proceedings for acquisition of the property, but without taking proper steps, the TMC cannot stop work at the site.

Advocate TJ Pandian, who represented the NHSRCL, said the land will be acquired under provisions of the law.