MMRC Mandates Approval for Redevelopment Near Metro 3

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has made its prior approval mandatory for any redevelopment or construction activity within a 50-metre influence zone on either side of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 alignment. This decision aims to protect underground tunnels and metro structures.

The notice was issued in response to the numerous redevelopment projects being undertaken in the city and suburbs of Mumbai. According to a JLL report, over 1,000 redevelopment projects were launched in the last six years from 2020.

Property owners, landlords, housing societies, associations, and other project proponents within the specified zone will have to obtain approval from MMRC before undertaking any redevelopment or development activity. The notice was issued by Swetal Kanwalu, Deputy General Manager (Town Planning), MMRC.

The approval requirement will also apply to activities including drilling of tubewells or sinking of wells, construction and demolition, geotechnical investigations, excavation, and laying of infrastructure. Additionally, redevelopment projects that have already obtained an MMRC No Objection Certificate (NOC) will also be subject to the safety conditions.

The two tunnels of Mumbai Metro Line 3, each measuring approximately 6.35 metres in diameter, are spaced around 20-22 metres apart and pass at depths of approximately 17-25 metres below ground level beneath certain properties along the alignment. The MMRC has stated that the additional approval is aimed at preventing development and redevelopment works from adversely affecting the metro tunnels and other metro structures.

The authority has also directed project proponents undertaking work near Metro 3 structures to adopt special safety measures to prevent accidents outside construction sites. Ensuring the safety of pedestrians and commuters is of utmost importance, particularly in view of risks such as falling construction equipment, toppling pile rigs, and collapse of scaffolding or shuttering during construction.

Project proponents have been asked to comply with operational safety standards such as OSHA, to minimise risks associated with construction activities and equipment operation. The notice calls for regular inspection of equipment, keeping loads as low to the ground as possible, strict adherence to load limits, and proper training of equipment operators.

The cautionary notice also comes in the wake of a recent incident in which a 250-tonne hydraulic crane with a boom collapsed, highlighting the need for strict safety measures.

In conclusion, the MMRC's decision to mandate prior approval for redevelopment near Metro 3 is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of pedestrians, commuters, and construction workers. By adopting special safety measures and complying with operational safety standards, project proponents can minimize risks and prevent accidents.

The MMRC's efforts to protect underground tunnels and metro structures demonstrate the importance of prioritizing safety in construction and redevelopment activities. As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, it is essential to strike a balance between progress and safety, and the MMRC's decision is a step in the right direction.

The impact of this decision will be significant, as it will affect numerous redevelopment projects in the city and suburbs of Mumbai. Property owners and project proponents must now obtain approval from MMRC before undertaking any redevelopment or development activity, which may lead to delays or changes in project plans.

However, the benefits of this decision far outweigh the potential drawbacks. By prioritizing safety and protecting underground tunnels and metro structures, the MMRC is ensuring the well-being of millions of commuters and pedestrians who use the metro every day.

In the long run, this decision will contribute to the development of a safer and more sustainable city, where construction and redevelopment activities are carried out with the utmost care and attention to safety.