MMRDA plans to develop land along Metro line 5 area

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is eying on land parcels in Thane, Kalyan and Bhiwandi areas to develop along the Metro line 5 (Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan) under the project of Transit Oriented Development  (TOD). The residential or commercial units can be developed along the open spaces.  

“It is difficult to develop the lands in Mumbai, it is a brown field and there is no space for real estate development. We are planning to develop land in areas like Thane, Bhiwandi and Kalyan where it is possible,” said R.A. Rajeev, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA.

He further added, “We are in the process of hiring consultants for the same who will study the potential of lands closer to the metro corridor. We will also look if any government land is available and plan in and around station area development.”  The development will be witnessed within 500 meters from the metro rail corridors.

The concept of TOD is included in the urban planning in order to maximize the ridership in the public transport. The idea aims at developing residential, commercial or pedestrian friendly spaces within the walking distance of a public transport. The authority has already planned to link Kalyan Growth Center with the Metro 5 corridor in order to boost connectivity as well as ridership.

Meanwhile, last month, the Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DCPR) has given an in-principal nod for taller buildings and higher density development around the city’s mass transit corridors. However, the state government is yet to decide on the Floor Space Index (FSI) for TOD.

According to reports, civic chief Ajoy Mehta had initially rejected the demand in draft Development Plan (2034) claiming the concept can congest the city even more.