Title - MMRDA, Reliance Infrastructure at loggerhead over Metro II conditions

Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra ), which was awarded the contract for construction, and MMRDA are at loggerheads over fulfillment of conditions needed to start the work of the elevated Metro II from Charkop to Mankhurd via Bandra. The project appears to be heading for the scrap yard even before construction can start.

In response to a recent directive by the MMRDA, asking RInfra to begin work at the earliest or face action, the latter has replied terming its directive as "arbitrary, completely misplaced and totally unfound. The contract was awarded to RInfra three years ago but the project has not moved off the drawing board yet.

According to RInfra, despite being a part of the project, the MMRDA has not fulfilled its obligations. RInfra has received permission to build car depots at Mankhurd and Charkop only on stilts, which is a costly affair. The firm says no permission has been received to wash trains at depots, thus making the project unfeasible for the developer. No civil aviation nod has been given for a stretch of the elevated route near the Juhu airport; there are hurdles in the form of high voltage electric lines and no rights to commercially exploit the routewith an FSIof 4, making the project a financial nonstarter, RInfra said.

"As per the contract, both parties have to fulfil their obligations to commence project work. Reliance has fulfilled all its obligations, such as depositing bank guarantee of over Rs 100 crore and ensuring bank loans for a Rs 10,000-crore project. However, the project can't be started until the MMRDA fulfils its obligations, like getting environment clearance, clear way for construction, and developmental rights to make Metro II financially feasible," an RInfra source said.