MM : Rs 2 Lakh Crore: The Price Of Making Mumbai World Class : Nov 12,2007
Report by Canadian firm on World Banks advice proposes three-pronged plan with the first horizon year set at 2016
RAVIKIRAN DESHMUKH
The dream of transforming Mumbai into a world class city with a vibrant economy and a quality of life equivalent to global standards comes at a huge price Rs 2 lakh crore. Thats the makeover cost according to the Comprehensive Transport Study (CTS) report prepared by a Canadian firm on the World Banks advice.
Recommending a three-pronged development plan for 2016, 2021 and 2031, the report suggests some drastic measures such as one time cess on all new vehicles registered in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), development charges, toll and dedicated fuel taxes on its residents.
In return, the MMR will build 81 flyovers, 130 foot overbridges, 55 road overbridges, 89 pedestrian subways, 63 parking plazas and 1,890 km of footpaths with at least 2 metre width.
The report carried out by LEA International Ltd, Canada, along with LEA Associates South Asia Pvt Ltd, India, that specialises in transportation and management consultancy services, was handed over to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) last month.
The state government with technical assistance from the World Bank has embarked on the study to identify travel pattern of residents in MMR and recommend a long-term transportation strategy up to 2031.
SUGGESTIONS IN REPORT
Expansion of Metro Network with 204 km in 2016, 316 km in 2021 and 450 km by 2031. The 2016 horizon year network concentrates on Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
New suburban rail network of approximately 193 km.
Highway network of 916 km by 2016, 1,127 km for 2021 and another 445 km by 2031.
Exclusive bus lanes of 147 km in 2016, 93 km in 2021 and 93 km in 2031.
Development of water transport along with the west coast, east coast and other routes with an investment of Rs 480 crore by 2016.
Bus terminals for inter-state, intercity, intra-regional transport, truck terminals and inter-rail terminals.
New flyovers, intersection improvements, flyovers, pedestrian facilities, ROBs and RUBs, footpaths, traffic signal installation, area traffic control systems with an investment of approximately Rs 5,800 crore by 2016.
FOBs for non-rail commuters, provision of guard rails between tracks to avoid crossing of tracks by rail commuters with Rs 480 crore investment. Total cost of transport network for the horizon year 2016: Rs 1.30 lakh crore, 2021: Rs 1.60 lakh crore, 2031: Rs 2 lakh crore, says the report.
The funds will come from public private partnerships: 40 per cent, borrowings: 12 per cent, own resources: 28 per cent and inter-government transfers: 20 per cent.
EXPAND MMRDAs ROLE
Besides, the report suggests expanding the present role of MMRDA with separate wings for Surface Transport Department, Regional Metro Department, Sub-urban Rail Transport Department, Marine Transport Department, ITs & Corridor Management Department each headed by professional managers.
It also recommends a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), comprising the Chief Minister and Ministers of Urban Development, Transport and state Chief Secretary along with Port Trusts, Airport Authority, Police and PWD, the mayors and chairmans of the municipal body in the MMR. If formation of the UMTA takes a longer time, the report suggests, creation of a Transport Board or High Powered Committee can serve the purpose.
Regarding the funding aspect, the report suggests tapping of borrowings involving Urban Local Bodies in the MMR with enhanced role of Maharashtra Urban Infrastructure Fund (MUIF), user pay sources like tolls, dedicated fuel taxes, development charges, one time cess on the new vehicles like Rs 10,000 for each new car, Rs 2,000 for each new two wheeler, private investments and advertisement rights.
Recommended transport network (transit and highway) for horizon year 2016
Publication:Mumbai Mirror; Date:Nov 12, 2007; Section:City; Page Number:6