TOI : MSRDC to exploit space below Kalina - Vakola Flyover : Aug 15, 2007

MSRDC LOOKS FOR GOLD UNDER THE OVER

FAST FACTS

PLAN TO EXPLOIT KALINA-VAKOLA FLYOVER

Space under flyover to be exploited: 640 sq mt Place now used for: Pay and
park Portion of land encroached on by: Slum dwellers Last date for
expression of interest: August 21, 2007 Winning bidders can put up:
Showrooms without retail sales

WHY THE MSRDC WANTS TO EXPLOIT THE SPACE

    The MSRDC is facing losses of nearly Rs 1,500 crore

    It built several flyovers in Mumbai from 1995 onwards. Toll collected in
Mumbai has made up for investments into flyovers, but rural infrastructure
projects need to be cross-subsidised

    Several government departments also owe the MSRDC huge amounts of money,
say officials

    Money is also required for upcoming flyovers in Mumbai

    Commercial exploitation will halt encroachment by slums About seven
years ago, spaces under a couple of flyovers were being abused by beggars,
slumdwellers and urchins. R C Sinha, who headed the MSRDC after its
inception, had first thought of beautifying areas under flyovers. "But the
plan met with a lukewarm response. Flyovers in prime areas got sponsors,
while the ones along highways were left untouched,'' said an official.

    Later, the MSRDC came up with a plan for pay-and-park bays under
flyovers. This was a lucrative proposition, but it spoiled the aesthetics of
areas. Traffic too was disrupted.

THIS SPACE FOR RENT: Currently, the land under the Kalina-Vakola flyover is
being commercially exploited through a pay-and-park scheme


Publication:Times of India Mumbai; Date:Aug 15, 2007; Section:Times City;
Page Number:10

URL :
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDA3LzA4LzE1I0FyMDEwMDM=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom