BMC's pay-n-park scheme delayed by revenue sharing issues

MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing delays in launching a pay-n-park scheme along the cycle track on Flank Road. The plan has stalled due to discussions about how to share revenue from the project. The hydraulic engineering (HE) department owns the land where the cycle track is located. They have asked for detailed earnings projections from the F North ward before moving forward. This request came in a letter dated March 4. The scheme was proposed after local residents expressed frustration over traffic congestion near the Shanmukhananda Hall, which sees around 2,700 visitors. The cycle track was built during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a project by Aaditya Thackeray. However, the track is reportedly being misused for activities like drugs and gambling. The track runs from Flank Road to Mankhurd. The HE department noted the need to examine potential revenue before the scheme could be approved. A response from the F North ward clarified that revenue generated would go into the BMC's budget. Assistant commissioner Nitin Shukla stated that they plan to communicate further with the HE department next week. Local activist Payal Shah has urged for faster action, mentioning that the cycle track has been unused and remains a target for misuse by anti-social elements.