9 months ago
Mumbai Metro 2B Height Over Kurla's Halav Bridge To Remain, Officials Cite Aviation Norms
Imagine a new train line, Metro 2B, is being built in Mumbai.
It needs to go over an old bridge in a place called Kurla.
The space between the new train tracks and the old bridge is only about 3.5 meters, which is quite low.
Some people who live nearby are worried that big vehicles, like fire trucks, won't be able to use the old bridge anymore when the train line is finished.
The city officials say that they have to build it this way because they have to follow special rules for airplanes, since it's close to the airport.
They also say that smaller vehicles like ambulances can still fit.
Even though people have talked about this problem, the officials say the work has not stopped and they must follow the airplane rules.
Mumbai Metro 2B's alignment over Kurla's Halav Bridge will remain at its current height of 3.5 meters.
MMRDA and BMC officials stated that the height is fixed due to aviation safety norms from the DGCA.
Residents raised concerns that the low clearance will impede heavy vehicles like fire engines.
Authorities confirmed ambulances can pass, but fire engines may require alternative routes.
Officials denied claims that work had been halted, stating it is proceeding according to plan and approvals.
- Who
- Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), residents, and activists.
- What
- Confirmation that the Mumbai Metro 2B alignment over Kurla's Halav Bridge will maintain its current height of 3.5 meters above the bridge, citing aviation safety regulations.
- Where
- Kurla West, Mumbai, specifically over the Halav Bridge.
- When
- The clarification comes after recent concerns raised by residents; work is ongoing.
- Why
- To comply with aviation safety norms set by the DGCA, as the metro route is within the funnel zone of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Residents' Concerns
Authorities' Stance
Vehicle Clearance
Residents' Concerns
Residents fear that the low clearance (3.5 meters) between the metro alignment and the Halav Bridge will prevent heavy vehicles like fire engines and ambulances from using the bridge once the metro is operational.
Authorities' Stance
Authorities state that while ambulances can pass, fire engines will need alternative routes. They emphasize that the metro alignment adheres to aviation rules due to its location within the funnel zone of the airport.
Work Stoppage
Residents' Concerns
Residents claimed that work on this stretch was halted after they raised concerns last year.
Authorities' Stance
MMRDA and BMC officials clarified that work was never stopped and is proceeding as planned, following all approvals and aviation norms.
Key facts
- Metro Line
- Metro 2B (Yellow Line)
- Route
- DN Nagar (Andheri) to Mandale (Mankhurd)
- Length
- 23.643 km
- Number of Stations
- 20
- Location of Concern
- Above Halav Bridge, Kurla West
- Height Clearance
- 3.5 meters
- Reason for Height
- Adherence to Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms due to proximity to airport funnel zone
Quotes
the officer
an official from MMRDA
“No changes have been made in the alignment post all approvals. The concerned Metro 2B section in Kurla falls under the funnel zone of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. We cannot defy aviation rules.”
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“The work on the stretch above Halav bridge is yet to be completed, and there was never any stop work. There is no question of work resumption when it was never stopped in the first place.”
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Dhanaji Hirlekar
assistant municipal commissioner of ‘L’ ward
“It is true that the height between the flyover and metro alignment is less than required. We have had several meetings with the local residents’ group, explaining to them that we have to follow aviation rules.”
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a senior BMC officer
a senior BMC officer
“An ambulance can pass within the gap of 3.5 metres. However, the Mumbai Fire Brigade will have to work on alternative routes as the fire engines are taller. The routes will be worked out considering the fire stations’ locations.”
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Anil Galgali
an activist from Kurla
“Metro 2B project is important, but as citizens, it is our responsibility to point out if we think there are any flaws and raise our objections. However, Galgali said that the issue was raised in 2024 and MMRDA officials also held a site visit, in which he was also present, but the work was never halted.”
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