The citizens of Mumbai should be thankful to Darryl D'Monte (DNA, 17/2/2011) for analyzing the economics of coastal highway on stilts which the MSRDC is promoting. As he has pointed out only 40,000 vehicles use Bandra-Worli Sea Link because of its high toll as against the estimate of 70,000 to 80,000 per day by MSRDC. Similar fate awaits the proposed coastal highway from Worli to Cuffe Parade as the cost is likely to double from the estimated Rs.12,000 crore as happened in case of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. If the toll goes up to Rs.300 or Rs.500 not many motorists would use it daily but only ministers, bureaucrats and top businessmen who do not pay from their pockets. The colossal amount of money on this expensive option would ultimately fall on the people of Mumbai – a case of poor subsidizing the rich or 'public at large subsidizing the tiny minority of motorists' as the writer puts it.
Mumbai is a megacity. Its burgeoning population requires public transport rather than private transport. Decongesting Mumbai should get priority over all such fancy ideas. The government has to develop more central business districts (CBDs) in the main land and connect them to Mumbai. This connection mooted about three decades ago is still being delayed by the builders and the politicians for their vested interest. If the citizens and NGOs who want to see a better Mumbai have to agitate for such a link. Will some public spirited citizens or NGOs take up this issue with the politicians before the next municipal election?
February 18, 2011.
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