Mumbai Metro Line-11 To Provide Essential Connectivity For Byculla, Nagpada, And Bhendi Bazaar Residents

Residents of Byculla, Nagpada, and Bhendi Bazaar are pleased with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's plan to connect them to the city's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system via Metro Line-11. Currently, these areas lack MRT access, forcing residents to rely on buses, taxis, and two-wheelers. The new metro line promises faster and more affordable travel options.

Traffic congestion is a significant issue in these central Mumbai localities. Syed Ashrafi from Bhendi Bazaar highlighted that traffic jams are common between 9 am and 8 pm. "Traffic jams are perpetual in Byculla, Mohammad Ali Road, and Nagpada. Bikes are the only way to avoid the congestion. An underground Metro will be faster and cheaper," said Ashrafi.

High Passenger Volumes Expected

Sayeed Khan, a social activist, is optimistic about the proposed Nagpada Junction Metro station near his home. He believes it will address connectivity issues caused by irregular parking and narrow lanes. "People need connectivity. Irregular parking and narrow lanes affect mobility in these areas. Passenger volumes will be very high," said Khan.

Ishtiyaq Ahmed, a garment businessman from Bhendi Bazaar, expressed relief that major infrastructure projects like Metro 11 are finally reaching their area. Previous projects like the Sir J J Road viaduct offered little relief from traffic jams. "When we read reports about Metro 11, we are overjoyed. Colaba, Worli, and other areas unconnected by rail now have a Metro connection. This area was ignored for a long time," said Ahmed.

Political Leaders Stake Claim to Project

Local political leaders are eager to take credit for the project's progress. Amin Patel of Congress has suggested naming stations after historical figures like Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. "The earlier plan was to have a route along P D'Mello Road, parallel to the harbour line railway. The government realised that the route would not have much passenger traffic," said Patel.

The Samajwadi Party claims its leader Abu Asim Azmi first proposed diverting the Metro through these areas. "It is in the house records," stated Yusuf Abrahani of the party. Rais Shaikh, another party MLA, recently urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for immediate approval of the line due to its potential benefits for daily commuters.

Concerns Over Impact on Old Buildings

There are concerns about potential damage to old buildings during tunnel digging for the Metro. However, Amin Patel pointed out that similar challenges were managed during the construction of Metro 3's underground route near completion. "Right now, work is going on near Sir J Dharamshala, Nagpada. Every infrastructure project has its challenges. We will monitor the work," Patel added.

The densely populated areas of south Mumbai such as Byculla and Bhendi Bazaar suffer from inadequate mass transit options according to MLA Rais Shaikh. He believes Metro Line-11 will significantly reduce traffic congestion and pollution while providing much-needed relief to daily commuters in these localities.