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After facing several hurdles, the construction work on Metro Line 2B in Mumbai has resumed. However, there are still concerns about the safety of the project, which has faced opposition from locals.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) started construction on Metro Line 2B, which runs from DN Nagar to Mandale, on a section of SV Road in Vile Parle. However, a homeowner filed a public interest lawsuit (PIL) citing safety concerns as the section of SV Road was adjacent to the Juhu aero-dome’s runway 8/26.
Another hurdle was faced when construction came to a halt between the Indira Nagar and Nanavati Hospital stations in Vile Parle. The area is in the funnel zone, and a lot of time was lost due to this issue, delaying the construction work.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is carrying out the construction work, and installation on pier portals has started. The pier construction will be followed by viaduct installation.
The MMRDA official stated that the plan is to complete work on the pillars and viaduct within a year’s time.
According to DMRC, the full 2B section in the western suburbs is planned to be completed by December 2024. However, there are concerns about the safety of the project.
The Airports Authority of India issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the corridor at an elevation of 16.76 m in 2019. However, the work on the section at SV Road near Juhu airport remained behind schedule, and locals have opposed the NOC, citing safety concerns.
In January 2022, the Bombay High Court sought an independent, comprehensive report from the civil aviation ministry secretary on the issue of height clearance granted for an overground Metro rail 2B project in Mumbai. The report is expected to address the safety concerns of the locals.
The construction work on Mumbai Metro Line 2B has resumed, but concerns about safety persist. The project’s completion is targeted for December 2024, but the court’s independent report is awaited to address the safety concerns of the locals.