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The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has moved to redevelop its Santacruz bus depot and staff quarters by inviting applications to appoint a consultant for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The site, spanning over 13,000 sqm, lies within the Juhu airport funnel zone, where building heights are strictly regulated. Citizen groups have expressed concerns that redevelopment could reduce bus parking space and signal privatization, referencing earlier depot handovers at Mahim and Kurla. BEST maintains that the project will comply with all regulatory procedures.
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has initiated steps to redevelop its Santacruz bus depot and staff quarters. It has invited applications for appointing a consultant tasked with obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which will determine the permissible building height for the proposed structures. The depot and staff quarters, covering more than 13,000 sqm, are located within the 'funnel zone' of Juhu airport on SV Road, where strict aviation regulations limit building height to ensure safe takeoff and landing paths. Advertisement
According to BEST, the appointed consultant will conduct a detailed topography survey of the site, divided into five parts to determine the allowable heights as per the airport funnel zone. The consultant is expected to complete the survey, prepare the necessary documents, and submit the NOC application within two months of appointment, with final submission to BEST within four months.
The redevelopment plan has faced criticism from city activists and citizen groups. Activists noted that BEST had previously handed over depots at Mahim and Kurla to private developers, raising concerns about privatization.
A BEST official stressed that all proper procedures were being followed due to the site's proximity to Juhu airport and confirmed that regulatory compliance with the AAI's requirements was being strictly observed. The project highlights the balancing act between urban redevelopment and maintaining public transport infrastructure, ensuring that expansion plans do not compromise operational needs.
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