The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has made prior approval mandatory for redevelopment and construction activities within 50 metres on either side of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 alignment, citing safety concerns related to the underground metro tunnels and associated structures.
In a public notice issued this week, MMRC said property owners, landlords, housing societies, associations and other project proponents within the designated influence zone must obtain approval from the metro authority before undertaking redevelopment or development work.
The directive comes as redevelopment activity accelerates across Mumbai. According to a recent JLL report, more than 1,000 redevelopment projects have been launched in the city since 2020, increasing the need for closer coordination between developers and infrastructure agencies.
The notice, issued by Swetal Kanwalu, Deputy General Manager (Town Planning), MMRC, stated that the safety requirements would also apply to projects that have already obtained an MMRC No Objection Certificate (NOC). The additional conditions will form part of the undertaking submitted along with the NOC.
The approval requirement covers a range of activities, including construction and demolition, excavation, geotechnical investigations, drilling of tubewells and sinking of wells, as well as laying of infrastructure.
Metro Tunnels Run Beneath Properties
MMRC highlighted the depth and positioning of the Line 3 tunnels as a key reason for the additional safeguards. The two underground tunnels, each approximately 6.35 metres in diameter, are separated by around 20-22 metres and in certain areas run approximately 17-25 metres below ground level beneath properties along the alignment.
The authority said construction activities must not compromise the safety or structural integrity of underground and above-ground Metro infrastructure.
Focus on Construction Safety
Project proponents working near Metro 3 structures have also been directed to implement safety measures to prevent accidents beyond construction sites.
“Ensuring the safety of pedestrians and commuters is of utmost importance,” the notice stated, particularly in relation to risks involving falling equipment, overturned piling machinery and the collapse of scaffolding or shuttering.
Developers have been asked to follow operational safety standards such as OSHA, conduct regular equipment inspections, keep loads as close to the ground as practical, observe prescribed load limits and ensure operators are appropriately trained.
The warning follows a recent incident in Qureshi Nagar, Kurla, where a 250-tonne hydraulic crane with an 80-foot boom reportedly toppled onto residential structures.
MMRC said strict compliance with the new requirements is essential to protect metro infrastructure as well as residents, pedestrians and commuters in areas surrounding Line 3. Failure to follow the directions could invite legal action.
Source: The Free Press Journal
