05 July,2016 08:00 AM IST | | Vinay Dalvi
Providing a major impetus for the Metro Line-3 project (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz corridor), the Bombay High Court yesterday allowed the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC L) to use the disputed land to built one of the stations
Providing a major impetus for the Metro Line-3 project (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz corridor), the Bombay High Court yesterday allowed the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC L) to use the disputed land to built one of the stations. Justice SJ Kathawala issued the directive.
The project was stuck due to an ongoing dispute between the MMRCL, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Regency Convention Centre and Hotels (P) Ltd. The Regency group had refused the former from constructing a station on its property near the international airport. The MMRCL had managed to secure from the AAI for the same project, following which it moved the high court after their attempts to convince the Regency group failed.
"We require about 14,304 sq metre land for five years to construct an underground station," told senior counsel Kiran Bagalya, appearing for MMRCL, to the court. He also requested the court to consider that the project was in larger public interest and the MMRCL should get the land to build the station. "We are ready to pay for the land. Irrespective of the party: AAI or Regency," Bagalya said.
The Regency group had objected to construction of an underground station citing its ongoing battle with the AAI for the plot. It also mentioned that if it wins the suit, the MMRCL would later disallow a hotel on the plot due to the existing underground station. But the MMRCL in its reply said it has no objection for a commercial establishment, provided the developer adheres to its safety standards guidelines.
