TOI : MSRDC to exploit space below Kalina – Vakola Flyover : Aug 15, 2007
MSRDC LOOKS FOR GOLD UNDER THE OVER
FAST FACTS
PLAN TO EXPLOIT KALINA-VAKOLA FLYOVER
Space under flyover to be exploited: 640 sq mt Place now used for: Pay and
park Portion of land encroached on by: Slum dwellers Last date for
expression of interest: August 21, 2007 Winning bidders can put up:
Showrooms without retail sales
WHY THE MSRDC WANTS TO EXPLOIT THE SPACE
The MSRDC is facing losses of nearly Rs 1,500 crore
It built several flyovers in Mumbai from 1995 onwards. Toll collected in
Mumbai has made up for investments into flyovers, but rural infrastructure
projects need to be cross-subsidised
Several government departments also owe the MSRDC huge amounts of money,
say officials
Money is also required for upcoming flyovers in Mumbai
Commercial exploitation will halt encroachment by slums About seven
years ago, spaces under a couple of flyovers were being abused by beggars,
slumdwellers and urchins. R C Sinha, who headed the MSRDC after its
inception, had first thought of beautifying areas under flyovers. “But the
plan met with a lukewarm response. Flyovers in prime areas got sponsors,
while the ones along highways were left untouched,” said an official.
Later, the MSRDC came up with a plan for pay-and-park bays under
flyovers. This was a lucrative proposition, but it spoiled the aesthetics of
areas. Traffic too was disrupted.
THIS SPACE FOR RENT: Currently, the land under the Kalina-Vakola flyover is
being commercially exploited through a pay-and-park scheme
Publication:Times of India Mumbai; Date:Aug 15, 2007; Section:Times City;
Page Number:10