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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Plea in HC for fresh polls, new body

Dr. Rumi F. Beramji Mumbai : A senior medical practitioner has knocked on the doors of the Bombay High Court, alleging serious irregularities in the functioning of the Maharashtra Council of Acupuncture (MCA) and challenging the continuation of its current Administrator.   In a petition filed through Advocate Sharad V. Natu, Dr. Laxman Bhimrao Sawant has termed the appointment and prolonged tenure of former MCA Chairman as “illegal and arbitrary,”  and detrimental to the cause of Acupuncture....

Plea in HC for fresh polls, new body

Dr. Rumi F. Beramji Mumbai : A senior medical practitioner has knocked on the doors of the Bombay High Court, alleging serious irregularities in the functioning of the Maharashtra Council of Acupuncture (MCA) and challenging the continuation of its current Administrator.   In a petition filed through Advocate Sharad V. Natu, Dr. Laxman Bhimrao Sawant has termed the appointment and prolonged tenure of former MCA Chairman as “illegal and arbitrary,”  and detrimental to the cause of Acupuncture.   Dr. Beramji, who headed the five-member statutory body 's inaugural term (from May 2018 to May 2023), was subsequently appointed as its Administrator after the council’s term expired.   According to Dr. Sawant’s plea, the Administrator’s appointment was initially meant to be a stop-gap arrangement for one year, and it was ‘extended’ later. However, nearly three years later, the position continues without fresh elections being conducted, raising questions over adherence to statutory norms and principles of governance.   Dr. Sawant has further contended that while Dr. Beramji was installed as Administrator, the remaining members of the council were effectively superseded, leaving the regulatory body without its mandated collective structure, and over 6500-members directionless.   The petition claims that the delay in conducting elections was justified on the grounds of an incomplete voter list, but this reason was flimsy considering the extended time lapse.   The petition, likely to come up for hearing on Tuesday (April 21), also levelled serious allegations regarding the manner in which the MCA has been run under the Administrator. It claims decisions have been taken unilaterally, whimsically and without transparency or institutional accountability.   Besides, Dr. Sawant has made allegations of selective targeting of certain members who have attempted to raise valid issues, including the globally-renowned noted acupuncture expert Dr. P. B. Lohiya of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.   Adding to the controversy, a former MCA office-bearer has claimed that over the past three years, approvals were granted to more than a dozen acupuncture colleges in undue haste, purportedly in violation of prescribed norms and alleged shady deals.   These institutions, it is claimed, either exist only on paper or lack essential infrastructure, faculty, and facilities. In addition, around two dozen Continuous Acupuncture Education (CAE) centres were also cleared during this period.   In his multiple prayers to the high court, Dr. Sawant has sought quashing Dr. Beramji’s appointment as MCA Administrator and setting aside all policy decisions taken during his tenure in that capacity in the last three years.   The petition also urged the court to direct the state government to conduct elections to elect and reconstitute a new five-member MCA within two months.   Pending this, the plea seeks an order restraining the Administrator from continuing in office or interfering in the functioning of the MCA or the CAEs in the interest of free and fair elections or the cause of Acupuncture.   Sources within the MCA have described the situation as “deeply concerning,” alleging that individuals of international standing, such as Dr. Lohiya - who has treated prominent personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, the late Manoj Kumar, state and central ministers and other public figures - are being unfairly hounded.   The petition has called for a comprehensive review of all decisions taken during the Administrator’s tenure, a financial audit of the MCA’s financial affairs, and an independent probe by the Medical Education & Drugs Department (MEDD) into the approvals granted to the institutions in recent years.   Despite repeated attempts by  ‘ The Perfect Voice’ , top MCA officials like the Administrator or the Registrar Narayan Nawale, were not available for their comments.

Navi Mumbai Metro: Paving the way for seamless urban connectivity


The Navi Mumbai Metro has emerged as a transformative mode of public transportation, designed to meet the city’s growing mobility demands and support the expanding urban landscape. Spearheaded by CIDCO, the metro network aims to ensure seamless connectivity between key nodes within Navi Mumbai and with Greater Mumbai.


"The Navi Mumbai Metro project has been planned to provide excellent intra-city connectivity within Navi Mumbai. Metro Line No. 1, developed from Belapur to Pendhar, has received a great response from commuters since day one. This metro line has provided excellent connectivity to CIDCO housing complexes in CBD Belapur, Taloja MIDC, Kharghar, and Taloja. Implementation of Metro lines No. 2, 3, and 4 will also be carried out in the near future. Additionally, there is an ambitious plan to connect Navi Mumbai International Airport and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport via Mumbai Metro in the coming period," said Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, CIDCO


CIDCO has envisioned the execution of the Navi Mumbai Metro Project in phases, with a total corridor length of 25 km, the first phase, covering the route from CBD Belapur to Pendhar (Metro Line 1), has already become operational from November 2023. Operated by Maha Metro, this elevated metro system marks a significant milestone in the city’s transport infrastructure.


In response to increased traffic demand from economic centres and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), CIDCO has actively pursued the development of additional metro corridors:


Extension of Metro Line 1: Operational Success and Future Extensions (Belapur to NMIA)


Metro Line 1 currently runs from Belapur to Pendhar, covering 11.1 km and facilitating the daily commute of thousands of commuters. This stretch has enhanced accessibility to key residential and commercial areas. CIDCO is further extending this line (Metro Line 1a) from Belapur to NMIA via Sagarsangam interchange station with proposed Metro Line 8 opposite NMMC HQ, adding 3.02 km. This will allow passengers to access both airport terminals via metro, reducing reliance on road-based transport.


Operations Control Centre (OCC)

The OCC for Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 oversees the planning, real-time monitoring, and control of train movements. It ensures punctuality, safety, and coordination with service teams, enabling smooth metro services.


Metro Train Driving Simulator

To ensure operational excellence, CIDCO has introduced a metro driving simulator for training operators. This computer-based system mimics real train dynamics, offering a highly realistic environment for driver training and control system familiarisation.


Metro Line 2 (Pendhar to NMIA T-4)

Metro line 2 is planned to connect Pendhar to NMIA (east side via Pendhar), and is expected to enhance connectivity to rapidly developing areas. With a total length of approximately 15 km, this line will provide a direct link to PMAY housing schemes and the Taloja MIDC Industrial belt. This corridor will benefit not only daily office-goers but also workers employed in manufacturing hubs at Taloja MIDC.


CIDCO is currently carrying out the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this corridor, which is expected to significantly increase ridership due to the dense population and industrial activity in the region.


Metro Line 8 (CSMIA – NMIA Connectivity): Connecting Two Airports

One of the most ambitious plans under CIDCO’s Vision is metro line 8, which will connect Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) (Mumbai Airport) to NMIA (Navi Mumbai International Airport), As a part of the Comprehensive Transportation Study (CTS – 2021) For the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), this line will cover a distance of approximately around 35 km.


The Metro line 8 will start at CSMIA T-2 Terminal station and run underground between the CSMIA and Chedanagar, then it runs elevated till NMIA. The alignment passes along the key areas like Kurla, LTT, Mankhurd, Vashi, Nerul and Belapur. The salient features of the Metro line are as follows;


Approx Length 35 km.

Underground Length 9.25 km

Elevated Length 25.63 km.


The Proposed line will strengthen inter-airport connectivity and cater to growing domestic and international passenger traffic. It is also expected to enhance ease of transfer between the two airports, on tight schedules or connecting flights. The Project also aims to decongest surrounding roadways and reduce travel time for airport-bound commuters.


Key Benefits of the Navi Mumbai Metro Network


•⁠ ⁠Reduced Traffic Congestion: With rising vehicular load on city roads, the metro provides a much-needed high-capacity transit alternative that eases congestion and improves commute time

•⁠ ⁠Environmental Sustainability: Being an electric, elevated metro, it supports low-emission urban transport, contributing to the city’s climate goals

•⁠ ⁠Economic Developments: The metro corridors stimulate growth around their stations, leading to increased real estate value, job creation, and commercial investments

•⁠ ⁠Enhanced Airport Accessibility: Seamless metro links to NMIA make it a globally competitive airport with high-quality multimodal connectivity


Integration with other Transport Modes: The planned line is expected to offer smooth integration with suburban rail, buses, and future transport systems, making travel more efficient.


Multimodal and Inclusive Infrastructure:


The Navi Mumbai Metro integrates several commuter-friendly features:

•⁠ ⁠Multimodal Connectivity: Seamless integration with city buses and future transport systems.

•⁠ ⁠Accessibility: Elevators and escalators at all stations for ease of use.

•⁠ ⁠Public Amenities: Clean and well-maintained restrooms, designated parking, and passenger assistance.

•⁠ ⁠Noise Management: Special sound control systems near stations to maintain urban tranquillity.


Driving Urban Transformation


The metro network is expected to benefit a population of over 500,000 in South Navi Mumbai, drastically improving commute patterns and fueling urban development. The overall infrastructure push, including NMIA, metro, and commercial hubs, is set to establish Navi Mumbai as a leading regional centre.


CIDCO’s proactive planning and investment in metro rail have not only addressed Navi Mumbai’s current transport challenges but are also laying the foundation for a modern, sustainable, and connected future.


A Vision Backed by Strategic Planning


Considering the long-term mobility needs of Navi Mumbai, CIDCO conducted in-depth feasibility studies to explore the most suitable transportation solutions. Metro rail emerged as the most efficient and sustainable option. The Government of Maharashtra appointed CIDCO as the nodal agency to implement priority corridors like Belapur- Pendhar- Kalamboli- Khandeshwar, ensuring that urban growth is well-supported by transit infrastructure.


Looking Ahead (Future vision)


The Navi Mumbai Metro is not just a transit project – it is a vital component of the city’s evolution into a smart, connected, and future-ready urban centre. As each phase progresses, the metro will not only reduce travel time and pollution but also improve quality of life, encourage sustainable development, and unlock the full economic potential of Navi Mumbai.

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