A sigh of relief sweeps through Mandai as a portion of barricades, which had been installed for ongoing Metro construction, is now removed. While this step is welcomed by visitors, concerns remain over the pace of progress and the need for swift completion of the Metro works to restore the area’s accessibility.
Frequent visitors to Mandai emphasize that the removal of barricades is a step in the right direction but stress that the Metro authorities should expedite their efforts to ensure ample space for pedestrians and vehicles. With the festive season around the corner, prominent Ganesh mandals have engaged with MahaMetro to clear road spaces, essential for events like Dahi Handi and Ganeshostav.
Acknowledging the demands, a MahaMetro official shared that discussions with a delegation of Ganesh mandals had taken place. “While we continue our work for the next three months, we are strategically removing barricades from areas where they are no longer necessary,” the official stated.
Ashok Ghule, a shopkeeper in the vicinity, underlined the urgency of completing Metro work before the festive season hits full swing. The ongoing construction has already inflicted considerable hardships on shopkeepers in the area.
Concerns have also arisen regarding vendors occupying the road space adjacent to the barricades, causing further congestion. To address these challenges, the MahaMetro has set an ambitious goal to wrap up all ongoing works by December 2023.
