The Central government has raised objections to Maharashtra’s multimodal corridor (MMC) project proposed between Navghar in Palghar district and Balavali in Raigad district.
The project is anticipated to cost Rs 22,300 crore. The screening committee of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) and the Niti Aayog have asked state government to table a plans to protect a 14 ha forest patch inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) as part of the 98.5 km corridor.
In its objection, DEA, working under the Ministry of Finance, has said the project passing through SGNP on one side must have a wildlife corridor and protect animals passing through it, before any further clearances could be given.
The four major components of the project are -- Navghar to Anjur, Anjur to Morbe, Morbe to Dapoli, and Dapoli to Balavali - being externally funded by the World Bank to the tune of Rs 11,535 crore.
MMC will run parallel to the existing track connecting Panvel-Taloja- Bhiwandi-Diva-Vasai-Virar and will cut travel time across and from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region -- especially between Virar and Alibaug - to half. It is slated to be completed by 2031 along with a Metro Line.