Mumbai: The light at the end of the tunnel, that is the Metro 3 rail network, is finally visible, with the first phase set to open in May after eight years of construction. Gradually, by September, the entire corridor is expected to be fully functional. Families and businesses en route, that have tolerated broken roads, noise, dust pollution, traffic jams and diversions, are hoping life gets back on track.
Underground work has especially affected the people of Fountain, Fort, Dadar and Sitladevi temple area in Mahim. Mahim resident Sebastian Dsouza said, “The pace of work was slow…many residents and shopkeepers were affected…Already, traffic jams were common but since Metro work began, if a large vehicle like a BEST bus broke down, the situation would become worse.” Asked if he was looking forward to Metro 3, Dsouza said Mahim already has good connectivity to most places of the city, so this infrastructure will be an added advantage.
Niloufer Dubash Dastur, owner of Paradise Cinema in Mahim, said the box office entrance facade was masked owing to the work, which affected business. “The authorities were responsive if we approached them with issues. As citizens we need to bear such inconvenience for infrastructure upgrade,” she said.
The Fountain precinct resembled a tornado-hit street for years. RTI activist Mansoor Darvesh sold his 40-year-old stationery and watch repair shop three years ago. “Previously, small shops fetched a rental income of Rs 25,000, but decreased demand caused rent to plummet to Rs 15,000. Businesses will not recover now… especially when online shopping is pervasive,” he said. A representative of Bombay Store said, “I’ll be pleased if the road reopens for traffic and business gathers pace.”
Underground work has especially affected the people of Fountain, Fort, Dadar and Sitladevi temple area in Mahim. Mahim resident Sebastian Dsouza said, “The pace of work was slow…many residents and shopkeepers were affected…Already, traffic jams were common but since Metro work began, if a large vehicle like a BEST bus broke down, the situation would become worse.” Asked if he was looking forward to Metro 3, Dsouza said Mahim already has good connectivity to most places of the city, so this infrastructure will be an added advantage.
Niloufer Dubash Dastur, owner of Paradise Cinema in Mahim, said the box office entrance facade was masked owing to the work, which affected business. “The authorities were responsive if we approached them with issues. As citizens we need to bear such inconvenience for infrastructure upgrade,” she said.
The Fountain precinct resembled a tornado-hit street for years. RTI activist Mansoor Darvesh sold his 40-year-old stationery and watch repair shop three years ago. “Previously, small shops fetched a rental income of Rs 25,000, but decreased demand caused rent to plummet to Rs 15,000. Businesses will not recover now… especially when online shopping is pervasive,” he said. A representative of Bombay Store said, “I’ll be pleased if the road reopens for traffic and business gathers pace.”