Thane: Bullet Train To Save Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
India is set for a new transport revolution with high-speed rails, popularly known as bullet trains. Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor is one of the ambitious railway projects in India. Confirmed by the NHSRCL, 7 Indian companies had shown interest in its construction during the pre-bidding process.
The bullet train is expected to have a 21km long underground stretch from BKC to Kalyan Shilphata in Maharashtra state. Out of this, around seven kilometers of the corridor is to be constructed under the Thane Mangroves. A stretch of 1.8 kilometers is expected to be built under the sea bed while the remaining is over the marshland of mangroves.
The decision came after the increasing apprehensions of Thane mangrove creek destruction for constructing the bullet train. It also led to public criticism and the filing of an RTI.
What Does RTI Say?
Dismissing the rumors, an RTI stated that the tunnel would be constructed undersea in Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary to save flora and fauna. An NGO put forward the query called NatConnect Foundation.
The RTI was filed after concerns grew over the proposed cutting of lakhs of mangroves in the reserved forest area, later brought down to 54,000 and then 32,000. NatConnect had already expressed their concerns in letters to the President of India and the Prime Minister.
Expressing concerns over the news, Kumar gave a press statement that no development should be done at the cost of our environment.
Responding to the RTI, the State Mangrove Foundation stated that no mangroves would be cut in the reserved forest area of Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) for constructing the bullet train in Maharashtra.
The Response
Soon after, the government realized the mistake after learning of the consequences and released a positive response to the filed RTI. The NHSRCL stated that the passengers disembarking from the train at Thane might have to walk through an underground corridor or viaduct to reach the Station Entrance Building (SEB). The building will be constructed outside the reserved area.
At 600 meters distance, the SEB will offer all services like ticketing, security, public washrooms, integration to other transportation modes, and similar.
Bullet Train Revolution
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) will be stretched in the 21-km distance. It is expected to be constructed through two techniques – NATM for tunnel boring and TBM for the remaining part. These latest techniques will reduce construction time and effort.
The underground corridor will save Mumbai’s highly sensitive ecological zone that is home to multiple species of flora and fauna. This bullet train is India’s mega-project constructed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL).
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