While the MMRDA pushes for the third Metro line from Colaba to Bandra, there is some uncertainty over the issue of availability of land at the racecourse for the project. What adds to the problem is that environmental clearances have not been obtained.
Prithviraj Chavan, Chief Minister said that the land for building the car shed is yet to be transferred from the BMC to MMRDA. Necessary permissions like environmental clearance will be taken only after the land is transferred to the MMRDA. .
The third line of the Metro from Colaba to Bandra is expected to be underground from Colaba to Mahalaxmi. This is being done to protect the heritage monuments in Mumbai, said MMRDA officials.
Chavan said that a consultant has suggested an underground car shed spread across 20 hectares to be built below the racecourse. Early this year, a meeting in this regard was conducted between the urban development department, BMC and MMRDA officials. On June 15, the government gave its consent for the proposal. On August 2, a meeting was held with the principal secretary (urban development) regarding transfer of land between BMC and MMRDA.
But he admitted that the land has still not been handed over from the BMC to MMRDA.