30 January,2014 08:07 AM IST | | Ranjeet Jadhav
Sources claim Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority officials were not in favour of inaugurating Phase-I of the Monorail today, as they felt it was an inauspicious day
The wait for Mumbaikars to enjoy their first ride on the Monorail between Wadala and Chembur has been delayed, as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials do not want to inaugurate the line on amavasya, which happens to be today.
Sources from the MMRDA claimed that January 30, 31 and February 1 were the three dates shortlisted for the inauguration of the Monorail. But a few senior officials opposed today's date, stating that amavasya was an inauspicious day to start a new venture. File Pic
Sources from the MMRDA claimed that January 30, 31 and February 1 were the three dates shortlisted for inauguration of the Monorail. But, a few senior officials opposed today's date, stating that amavasya was an inauspicious day to start a new venture. It should be noted that Monorail received the final safety certification from retired Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) over a week ago.
An MMRDA official said, "We have the final safety certification from the retired CRS, whom we had appointed. This means the line is ready for operation. We had even shortlisted three dates for the inauguration of Phase-I between Wadala-Chembur. But the reasons for delay are unavailability of top politicians from New Delhi, and the belief of a few senior officials that January 30 isn't a good day to inaugurate a mega project because amavasya falls on that day."
Sources said since the Monorail is the first-of-its kind project in the country, the chief minister is keen on getting it inaugurated at the hands of a top politician from New Delhi. They claimed that the inauguration is likely to happen on February 1.
'Awaiting govt nod'
Speaking to MiD DAY, MMRDA Commissioner UPS Madan said, "Even though we have received the final safety certification from the CRS, getting the final nod from the government is mandatory. We expect the government to issue a notification for opening of the Monorail in a few days, following which it can be inaugurated. This is the only reason why we are not inaugurating it now. Besides this, there are no other reasons for the delay."
