Ex-BMC corporator opposes Mum-Pune taxi stand

Mumbai: Former BMC corporator from Wadala, Amey Ghole, has come out in opposition to the proposal by authorities for setting up the third Mumbai Pune Taxi stand in the vicinity of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT).
Ghole, the former BMC health committee chairman who is now a part of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said that RA Kidwai Marg, the proposed location, is already heavily congested due to nearby educational institutions, commercial establishments, and residential complexes.In a letter to CM Shinde, he said that adding a taxi stand would exacerbate the traffic woes, causing daily inconvenience for commuters and residents.
TOI on September 12 had reported about the Maharashtra state's advocate submitting the transport secretary's September affidavit stating that after a joint survey, it was decided to allot 25 parking lots behind ICT in Wadala. The RTO issued an official order on September 2. Ghole told TOI, "I have personally met the CM and requested that this be changed. The area houses several educational institutions, including ICT. Increased taxi traffic poses a safety risk to students and pedestrians, especially during peak hours. The safety of children, students, and the elderly must be prioritised in any urban planning decision. The influx of taxis in this region would undoubtedly lead to an increase in air and noise pollution. Wadala, being a residential and academic hub, is already witnessing environmental stress due to ongoing infrastructure projects, and this new development would add to the deteriorating living conditions."