HC: When will land acquisition begin in Thane for bullet train?

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Monday asked the state government, National High Speed Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) and Thane city collector to inform by when they would initiate land acquisition proceedings in Mumbra and Thane for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.
The high court had suggested a settlement over the acquisition cost between developer Atlanta Ltd and NHSRCL. But Mukesh Vashi, counsel for Atlanta Ltd, informed a bench of Justices Ranjit More and Revati Mohite-Dere that no settlement was reached.

In May, the Thane Municipal Corporation had issued a notice to Atlanta Ltd to stop work on constructions coming up on a three-hectare plot near Munbra as it was reserved for the bullet train project. In September, the firm had challenged the notice in court.

Vashi said there was no settlement as the amount was as per the state norms when it should be as per the Fair Compensation Act. He said the authority wasn’t ready and pointed out that it was the fifth hearing in the matter. Let the acquisition process otherwise begin, he said.

The high court said the NHSRCL can’t change track alignment now, so they will have to acquire the land. “It is best to sit together and settle the matter,” said the bench.

Vashi said that two buildings had come up and 291 flats sold and possession given. He said the brochure promised other amenities which if not given will be in breach of law . The high court seemed to agree and sought to know from NHSRCL and Thane city collector by when they would initiate proceedings for land acquisition.

It posted the petition for next hearing in January after vacation.