Mumbai: The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has recommended to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's (MMRDA) on the proposal to construct a foot over bridge (FOB) across Ghodbunder Road at Gaimukh in Thane, subject to strict environmental safeguards.
About The Bridge
The bridge, part of Metro Lines 4, 4A (Wadala—Kasarvadali—Gaimukh) will connect the Shri Balasaheb Thackeray Gaimukh Chowpatty area to the service road across the arterial Ghodbunder Road, which links the Eastern and Western Express Highways and experiences heavy traffic. This project is important in the region in order to minimize the risk of accidents and traffic interruptions caused by pedestrians while crossing the road. The FOB at the proposed location will provide a safer means for pedestrians to cross Ghodbunder Road.
The proposal mentioned, “the FOB will provide a safe crossing for the large number of pedestrians frequenting the area, especially given the anticipated increase in footfall once the metro lines become operational in the next one to two years.”
Currently, Gaimukh Chowpatty draws around 800 visitors daily and over 1,000 on weekends, and is expected to become a major tourist spot within the metro’s influence zone. The project’s location falls partly in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) II and partly outside CRZ limits, as per a survey by IRS, Chennai.
MCZMA Clears The Proposal
The MCZMA cleared the proposal under provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2019, noting that bridges are permissible in CRZ-II areas, provided construction complies with environmental safeguards. Conditions imposed include minimising piles in the mangrove region, prohibiting waste disposal in the coastal zone, implementing proper solid waste and construction debris management, and avoiding labour camps in CRZ areas.
The Authority emphasised that MMRDA must obtain all necessary statutory permissions before starting work and ensure construction practices that minimise environmental impact.
