Mumbai: New metropolitan commissioner R.A. Rajeev on Friday said his priority will be to reduce delays of the projects that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has taken up, and complete them on time.
“The focus will be to meet the deadline and tackle the cost overruns. We will also try to minimise inconvenience caused to citizens due to the projects and to lessen the impact on the environment,” Mr. Rajeev said in his first interaction with the media after he took charge on May 2.
While agreeing that there are some environmental issues, Mr. Rajeev said there needs to be a balance between development and environment. “Most of the infrastructure programmes will have a positive impact on the environment in the long run.”
Mr. Rajeev said his current role is the biggest challenge of his career. He said he will be using his experience in the urban development department and his knowledge of various agencies such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and other environmental agencies to ensure that approvals are expedited and the projects comply with the norms.
The MMRDA is constructing two metro lines: Line 2A and Line 7. It will soon be starting preliminary work on Line 2B and Line 4. Besides, work of Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Road has begun.
