Metro 2B line receives informal nod from AAI

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)’s Metro 2B line (DN Nagar-BKC-Mandale) is set to soon receive the crucial go ahead from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to begin the civil construction work of the corridor. The clearance is essential as the stretch between Indira Nagar and Nanavati hospital is a funnel zone, a sensitive stretch essential for the safe landing and take off of an aircraft. In September, a team of experts had studied the complications faced by the authority in executing the project.

The solutions discussed by the experts, included altering the height of the elevated corridor, where it passes through the funnel zone of Juhu aerodome. Since it is a sensitive area, there are height restrictions in view of safety. According to reports, all the buildings around the area are at a height of 12.5m in height, due to AAI restrictions.

“The AAI had proposed its clearance to the union civil aviation ministry and they have cleared it, so they are likely to issue us a formal letter. So it has been informally cleared and the formal letter has to come,” said Mr U. P. S. Madan, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.  

The civil construction for the line is expected to begin next year and eight bidders have been shortlisted by the MMRDA to execute the project as of now. Once the general consultants evaluate the bids and the executive committee gives the administrative nod, the contract will be awarded. The corridor will have 22 stations and will run through busy areas of western suburbs connecting to eastern suburbs.