Nearly 1K cr for flyovers, wider roads

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will allot Rs 1,113 crore for road-widening and flyovers. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday, which also saw MMRDA formally approve implementation of the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link Project (MTHL) on a public-private partnership basis.     Many projects discussed by the authority earlier were also approved. MMRDA commissioner Rahul Asthana said they had invited objections and suggestions for the development plan for 27 villages in Kalyan and Ambernath talukas and 60 villages in Bhiwandi taluka. They plan an FSI of two in the area for highways and FSI of one for villages. 
Asthana said there will be public consultations for the development of the Uttan-Gorai-Manori area as a tourist destination. An official statement quoted Chavan as stating that the participation of locals and their livelihood should be kept in mind before finalizing plans. 
    He said five flyovers would be constructed, including two in Kalyan at Rajoli junction and Mankoli junction; one in Bhiwandi at Vanjarpatti and two in Thane at Mumbra junction and Shil Phata. 
    MMRDA has also approved the installation of noise barriers on roads and flyovers that it has constructed in the region. 
    It follows the successful installation of barriers in the Bandra-Kurla Complex area recently, which has led to a reduction of noise pollution from 75 decibels to 60 decibels. 
Gorai park plans put on hold 
    MMRDA has put plans for a mangrove park in Gorai on the backburner. The park, of several hundred acres, at a cost of Rs 100 crore, was announced two years ago and was to be the first of its kind in the country. MMRDA officials had said it would have various species of mangroves and a special centre; it was also to have wooden pathways on stilts. MMRDA commissioner Rahul Asthana admitted there was local opposition to the project and said they would now concentrate on building infrastructure projects.