The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a INR 1,481 crore project for a transportation and commercial hub at the Dahisar octroi naka site. Covering 18,604 square metres, the hub will accommodate 450 interstate buses and 1,400 cars and feature recreational, retail, and hospitality amenities. It aims to act as a central terminus connecting with BEST buses and the Metro to ease traffic congestion. Strategically located along the Western Express Highway, it will serve buses from Gujarat, Rajasthan and northern states. The BMC's plan includes integrating commercial spaces to ensure the project's financial feasibility. Previously, the BMC declined transferring the land to the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority, citing its importance for civic projects.
The BMC has issued a tender worth over INR 1,481 crore for the development of a transportation and commercial hub at the Dahisar octroi naka site. Spanning 18,604 square metres, the hub will house about 450 interstate buses and 1,400 cars. It will also include recreational and retail spaces, banquet halls, star hotels, and designated areas for app-based cabs and taxis.
As outlined in the BMC's budget document, the primary aim of the hub at Dahisar, along with a similar facility planned for Mankhurd, is to develop a unified bus terminus. This terminus will link with other city transport options, including BEST buses and the Metro, and will ensure intercity and interstate buses end their routes at key entry points to reduce traffic congestion. A traffic survey at all five toll nakas in Mumbai has been conducted to measure the daily flow of buses into and out of the city. To fully capitalize on the site, the BMC plans to integrate commercial and office spaces, which will help generate revenue and support the project's sustainability.
With the introduction of GST in 2017, octroi was eliminated, releasing BMC land that had been used for octroi collection points and offices. The Dahisar project will be situated on a plot along the Western Express Highway, which connects to both the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway and the Pandurangwadi Interchange Metro Station (Lines 9 and 10). This hub is anticipated to accommodate buses coming from Gujarat, Rajasthan and northern states.
A BMC official involved in the project explained that a significant number of buses from outside the city and various states currently park on Mumbai's internal roads, which contributes to traffic congestion. The goal of creating a dedicated hub is to ensure these buses terminate there rather than entering the city. The BMC is also considering options for smaller bus services or other vehicles to transport passengers from the hub to their final destinations within the city. Harish Pandey, an activist and resident of Dahisar, expressed support for the initiative, noting that it would help reduce congestion in the city.
The BMC had earlier refused to transfer the Dahisar and Mankhurd octroi naka lands to the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority (DRA). Documents acquired through an RTI request by activist Sagar Devre reveal that in a letter to the state, BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani stated that the plots were required for civic projects.
The Dahisar project marks a significant advancement in Mumbai's efforts to address traffic congestion and enhance transportation infrastructure. By centralising interstate and intercity bus operations, the BMC aims to streamline traffic flow and integrate various modes of city transport. The inclusion of commercial and office spaces is expected to generate revenue, ensuring the project's long-term feasibility. Despite earlier resistance to transferring land to the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority, the BMC's strategic use of the site reflects its commitment to urban development. This initiative, anticipated to benefit travellers from multiple states, underscores a proactive approach to managing Mumbai's growing transportation needs.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
