Raise FSI near stations: Ajit

Mumbai: Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar wants higher floor space index (FSI) around the city's railway stations. 

    The senior NCP politician made the suggestion on Friday. "Such a move will reduce congestion and pollution. Why can't we think along these lines when we have started building new Metro rail stations?" he said. 
    "Many foreign countries have used FSI up to 15 by upgrading the resources needed for urban settlements," he added. When asked about the issue of regularizing illegal constructions under the cluster policy in Mumbai and other cities, he said, "It was not possible as strengthening civic amenities and public safety were key priorities for the government". Ajit supported doling out concessions to promote affordable housing. To a query regarding seat sharing for the general election, Ajit said NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress president Sonia Gandhi would decide on the distribution. —Chittaranjan Tembhekar