In what will benefit over 15 lakh commuters everyday, the BMC’s standing committee passed the proposal to widen the prominent Hazarimal Somani Road opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Station (CST).
In what will benefit over 15 lakh commuters everyday, the BMC’s standing committee passed the proposal to widen the prominent Hazarimal Somani Road opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Station (CST). Due to this decision, the entire stretch of the road, between Cannon Pav Bhaji Center at one end, and the Fashion Street at the other end, will be widened by 30 feet. This also means that many other prominent structures along the way will have to give up their land for road widening, including the Bombay Gymkhana, Tribunal office and other government offices, the popular Cannon Pav Bhaji Centre and the Zunka-Bhakar Kendra near CST.
Assistant ward officer of the A ward, Kiran Dighavkar said, “We are not exactly widening the road, we are widening the footpath of the left hand side of the road by 9 meters, or thirty feet. This is supposed to benefit the pedestrians.” However, contrary to citizens’ suspicions, Mr Dighavkar assured no trees would be cut in this process. He said, “People can walk between the trees. As we are not widening the road for traffic, no trees need to be cut.” The BMC has to acquire about 300 metres of land presently held by the collector for this purpose, and has decided to write to the collectorate. The proposal was earlier reserved by the standing committee last week, after it suggested widening of a portion of the road, up to the entrance of Bombay Gymkhana.
It faced severe opposition from committee members, for showing leniency towards property under the Bombay Gymkhana. The administration then revised the proposal for widening of the entire stretch of the road, up to Fashion Street, and will take permission from the collectorate for using the land.
