Development authority plans 7 growth centres

“We have chosen these locations keeping in mind the alignment of the Multi Modal Corridor and available government land there. But apart from this,some land acquisition would be required,” said Rahul Asthana,Metropolitan Commissioner at the MMRDA.

“The idea is still in initial stages of planning and the details are yet to be worked out.”

The MMRDA has to acquire about 1,245 hectares for the construction of the 126-km Multi Modal Corridor. To begin with the land acquisition process,the development authority is awaiting an amendment to the town planning scheme,which will enable it to involve the project-affected people as stakeholders in the scheme.

With the amendment,the MMRDA will be able to purchase more land than required,develop the additional land by creating necessary infrastructure and give the project-affected people plots on the developed land as compensation.

The MMRDA plans to rely on the proposed amendment to the town planning scheme even for the creation of the planned business districts.

The Multi Modal Corridor will be an eight-lane road from Virar to Alibaug incorporating Metro lines,road,lanes for vehicular traffic,dedicated bus lanes,a cycling track and pedestrian walkways. The corridor,which will be built at a cost of Rs 12,975 crore,will provide connectivity to towns such as Virar,Bhiwandi,Kalyan,Dombivli,Panvel,Uran,Pen and Alibaug.