The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a comprehensive planning initiative to prepare Local Area Plans (LAPs) for neighbourhoods surrounding stations on the Mumbai Metro Line 3 corridor. The move aims to guide future development through detailed studies of land use, traffic patterns and infrastructure requirements.
In the first phase, the exercise will cover four metro stations under the provisions of Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 33(23), which relate to Transit Oriented Development. Administrative approval for this phase has already been granted, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.37 crore, or Rs 34.4 lakh per station. The civic body has also proposed that the expenditure be exempt from GST.
The planning effort is expected to eventually extend to all 27 stations along the Metro Line 3 route, with completion targeted by March 31, 2028. Subsequent phases will follow a similar cost structure, with an additional 10 per cent provision factored into estimates.
According to the proposal, the exercise will involve a mix of satellite imagery analysis, on-ground surveys and traffic studies to assess existing urban conditions. Planners will examine land-use patterns using base maps, conduct household and traffic surveys, and analyse parking demand and road circulation. These findings will be validated through field inspections.
Based on the data collected, officials will prepare detailed land-use maps and situation analyses for each station area. The plan also includes road structure assessments for key stretches between 12 and 45 metres in width, identifying elements such as pavements, dividers and carriageways, along with obstacles affecting road development.
The BMC will also develop preliminary cost estimates for essential road improvements and prepare design proposals with implementation frameworks. Each LAP will include development policies, infrastructure recommendations and regulatory provisions where required.
Finally, integrated reports combining local area plans, traffic circulation strategies and road layouts will be prepared to guide long-term urban growth and improve connectivity around metro station precincts.
Source: The Times of India
