Title - Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Reliance Infrastructure on clash course over secon

MUMBAI: The controversial elevated Metro II from Charkop to Mankhurd via Bandra seems to be heading for the scrap yard even before construction can start. The MMRDA and Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra ), which was awarded the contract for construction, are at loggerheads over fulfillment of conditions needed to start the work. In response to a recent directive by the MMRDA to RInfra asking ittostartwork atthe earliest or face action, the latter hasshot a letter to MMRDA officials terming its directive as "arbitrary, completely misplaced and totally unfounded". 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 sourcesaid.

"The MMRDA stand asking us to start construction in publicinterestiseyewash.The body doesn't have the locus standi to ask RInfra to commence the project unless it fulfils its obligations," the RInfra source added.

Additional metropolitan commissioner SVR Srinivas, in a letter to RInfra on September 6, had said the administration "might be constrained to initiate action in keeping with the agreement without prejudice to the MMRDA's right to claim damages for delay in commencement of the work".