Resolution to tricky problems can only be had via dialogue

Metro 2B construction work continues in front of the Bai Hirabai Tata Memorial Trust, Tata Blocks, in Bandra West. Pic/Satej Shinde

This paper reported how residents and other stakeholders plus college principals in the National College Bandra West complex, have thrown their weight behind restoring a Metro Station near National College on the 2B route.

There has been considerable controversy about the station on the route. An earlier location was found unfeasible. A new location was proposed, and there were objections to that. It was decided to scrap the station altogether.

Now, locals are telling authorities that they need to do a rethink and restore the station plan at National College. They cited a number of reasons prime amongst which are that at least 20,000 students can benefit from this facility daily. The faculty too, will benefit. They claim that the station will de-congest the area, and reduce dependence on auto rickshaws.

It will also be beneficial to senior citizens and shoppers who frequent Linking Road. In a nutshell, this is an area that has very high footfall. A Metro station can be an important link for those alighting at the railway station and they can then take the Metro. If this station is cancelled then the other options further south in Bandra and north in Khar are quite a distance away.

There should be a couple of meetings and the matter must be resolved soon. There is time to look at a suitable/feasible place elsewhere but in the vicinity. One does understand that there will never be consensus for a large swathe of people. Yet, a decision must be taken either way in the larger interest, but one that should not affect our parks or the few green spaces adversely. Is there a way, this can happen? Let leaders and locals explore all options, with the Metro authorities taking a balanced and visionary decision in the end. Those who want the station have some merit to their arguments.

Those who do not, may have an alternative in mind. In the end, do what works best for the city.