Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) published the alignment and environmental and social impact assessment report for the proposed Wadala-Gateway of India underground Metro Line 11. The 17.51-kilometre corridor is expected to have a major environmental and social footprint.
According to the report, over 2,200 trees will either be cut or transplanted, and 796 structures are likely to be impacted by the construction work, affecting a total of 801 families.
Details On Structures Affected
The highest number of affected structures are located in Wadala, where 324 buildings will face full impact, followed by 205 structures in Bhendi Bazaar. The project, which includes the construction of metro stations, launching shafts and a car depot, will require the removal or relocation of trees at several locations, particularly at station entrances and the Anik Nagar car depot site. MMRC has committed to undertaking compensatory plantation, afforestation and transplantation as per regulations.
The report has been uploaded on MMRC’s official website, and the corporation has invited objections and suggestions from citizens and stakeholders till August 20. This public consultation process is expected to guide final decisions and any possible changes to the project design or route.
Religious Sites Among Structures Affected Too
In addition to the trees and residential structures, four religious sites will also be impacted. These include two Jain temples in Bhendi Bazaar that are over 200 years old, a Hanuman temple and a Buddhist vihara. The cultural sensitivity and historical significance of these structures make their potential relocation a considerable challenge for MMRC.
The project will require acquisition of 2,03,527 square metres of land, of which 23,500 square metres is privately owned. Though Metro Line 11 does not fall under the purview of mandatory environmental clearance, it does pass through areas governed by the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), necessitating CRZ-specific approvals.
796 Structures Including Residential & Non-Residential
The breakdown of the affected structures includes 155 at Anik Nagar for the car depot, 324 for the Wadala depot station, 205 at Bhendi Bazaar and the rest spread across stations such as Byculla, Nagpada, Sewree, Dockyard Road and others. Of the 796 affected structures, 590 are residential, while the rest are non-residential.
With multiple heritage sites, families, and trees involved, MMRC faces a tough task ahead in balancing development with environmental and cultural preservation. The final project design and its timeline could be influenced by the feedback received during the public consultation window.
