The corridor is awaiting final cabinet committee sanctions
The Panvel-Virar corridor is set to boost the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in terms of connectivity. File pic
For the second time in a span of three months, the Railways initiated work on the Panvel-Virar suburban corridor, to open up the line as soon as possible. Following the environment impact study that was conducted in October last year, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) called for consultants last week to conduct a social impact assessment of the project and prepare a social safeguards action plan.
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Sources said that the study also aims at including the socio-economic and cultural profile of the people affected by the project from secondary sources and community consultants and identifying the potential social impacts the corridor would have.
Speaking to mid-day, a railway official said, "Since we are considering that the World Bank would fund the project under Mumbai Urban Transport Project-3, a social impact assessment study and management plan needs to be prepared. The objective is to identify potential risks and impacts and prepare a social safeguards action plan, so that MRVC can realistically assess, plan and implement measures to mitigate the adverse social impacts associated with the new suburban corridor."
The 70.4 km-long corridor, with two lines and 24 stations, has already received clearances from Niti Ayog and is now awaiting final cabinet committee sanctions. This corridor, along with the Navi Mumbai Metro would provide a lot of boost to the region in terms of connectivity. It would provide rail-based commuter services to major areas like Bhivandi, Kharbao, Nilaje and Talojeand Kalamboli in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It will not only provide east-west connectivity, but will also aid in economic development of the region.
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