FOBs, Metro 4 to be integrated in Thane

THANE: Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to integrate four foot over-bridges (FOBs) in Thane with the Metro 4 line infrastructure, instead of razing them.

The decision was taken at a meeting between MMRDA commissioner R A Rajeev and Thane municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal on Friday, putting to rest fears of these bridges having to be demolished to accommodate the Metro lines.

TOI had reported about the line possibly running over infrastructure projects, including pedestrian crossing bridges at Raheja Garden, Louis Wadi, Viviana Mall and R Mall to accommodate the Wadala-Kasarvadavali route.

The civic administration was wary that the projects, some executed recently, would have to be pulled down as the Metro route map cutting through the city did not reflect their positions, escalating fears of them being axed. Activists and residents had raised concerns over the wastage of public money and suggested they be integrated with the Metro infra.

Civic officials said Rajeev had assured TMC that they would work towards realigning the bridges.

"The bridges could be realigned to provide alternate access to the nearest Metro stations wherever possible. At places where linking the bridge to the station is not feasible, the height of the lines could be elevated to ensure the bridges remain intact," a civic official present for the meeting said. TMC is now likely to increase the pace of work on few more pedestrians over-bridges planned over Ghodbunder road.

Meanwhile, the meeting saw several other infrastructure projects for Thane, including the coastal road bypassing Ghodbunder Road, Kalwa-Kharegaon Link Road and infrastructure development at Mhatardi to accommodate the rise in traffic following construction of the Bullet train station, discussed.

MMRDA is also mulling grade separators at Kalyan Phata and Shil Phata to ease congestion.