Mumbai: Longer wait for Mumbaikars if metro and other infra projects are hit

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A halt on transport of construction debris and other related transport may also lead to a huge set back to the numerous ongoing public infrastructure projects which include the new metro lines, bridges, links and connectors. These have already been delayed twice during the pandemic and later due to change of state government. Any further revision in deadlines would mean further cost escalations, delay and more wait for Mumbaikars. The infrastructure and transport observers in the city are worried about the projects being delayed any further.

Following the worsened AQI index in the city, and the subsequent temporary halt on the transportation of all construction material, enthusiasts fear it may slow down and stop the numerous ongoing public infra and transport projects in the city.

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"Mumbai is in the middle of a makeover. Seven to eight metro lines are in works at various stages along with sea links, bridges, coastal road and connectors. The existing public infrastructure is crumbling, the local trains are saturated and roads jam packed. A upgrade in the form of a comprehensive Metro network, which offers carbon emission free connectivity across the city, suburbs and the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Area, key sea links, coastal roads and bridge works are under construction and all are at a crucial stage of their development. The work had been slowed down and stopped for numerous reasons already delaying deadlines and further delays would mean a longer wait for Mumbaikars," a transport and infrastructure enthusiast said.

"Poor AQI is also about the direction of wind. Even in Delhi where the AQI index has been reported worse, public projects were not halted. It would be a real loss if public projects suffer," another observer said.

"These various infrastructure and metro works are at various levels of completion, and they have been battling numerous complexities. They are all inter-linked too. They will eventually lead to better commuting and faster connectivity and have been done to ease traffic and pollution levels. The government should fast-track them and finish them off as early as possible," an infra enthusiast said.

"While there is no doubt city beneficiary projects are necessary, there cannot be a stop on the infra development or casting. Not that they are the sole or major cause of pollution, the onus of which is undoubtedly on tower and building constructions and the unkempt filthy callously unswept roads, flyovers, RoBs and footpaths etc. Mist can be sprayed by low-flying places in the day while water can be sprayed and roads cleaned at night," another enthusiast said.