FSI increased for buildings close to train stations

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed maximum floor space index (FSI) of 1, from the existing 0.2, for construction within 500 metres of existing railway stations in the suburban region.

The move to give additional FSI near railway stations is aimed at maximising the use of public transport and dissuading people from owning private vehicles.

The proposal, named Station Area Development Scheme (SADS), has been included in MMRDA’s draft regional plan 2016-2036, which has been made available for the public’s suggestions and objections.

According to the draft proposal, a maximum FSI of 1 will be permissible within 500 metres of the existing stations. The additional FSI would be subject to the payment of a premium, calculated at 30 per cent of the land rate. Of the total premium amount, 50 per cent would be the state government’s share and the remaining 50 per cent would go to MMRDA.

“The concept is based on a transit-oriented development model where additional FSI is one of the components. By giving additional FSI to residential and commercial structures, we can promote the use of public transport and dissuade people from owning vehicles. The macro effect of giving additional FSI near railway stations also helps in managing traffic in the surrounding areas,” said a senior MMRDA official.

The proposal also states that construction would be restricted within a radius of 100 metres from the railway stations. Plus, plans for service roads heading towards the railway stations would have to be made in such a way that these roads measure around 12 metres each on both sides, starting from the median.

The height limit for each particular structure, moreover, has been increased from 13.5 metres to 15 metres. The draft is available for suggestions and objections from the public for around four weeks, starting from Monday.

At present, there are nine urban local bodies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including for areas such as Kalyan-Dombivali, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi-Nijampur, Panvel, Uran, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Vasai-Virar and Mira-Bhayandar. MMRDA was established for the planning, development and coordination of development within MMR. After MMR was delineated, the first regional plan for it was sanctioned in 1973.