Thane: Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Wednesday advocated for the transfer of the non-operational Mogli Dam at Ilthanpada in Digha from the Indian Railways to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). He asserted that the reservoir could play a vital role in addressing water scarcity in parts of the rapidly expanding satellite city.
The demand was raised during a joint inspection of developmental works at Thane railway station, conducted by Mhaske alongside Central Railway Mumbai Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) H Meena. The inspection aimed to review pending infrastructure projects and commuter grievances at one of the busiest suburban railway hubs on the Central Railway network.
“The dam is currently under the ownership of the railways but remains defunct. If transferred to the NMMC, it can be revived and utilized to meet the local water requirements of nearby Navi Mumbai suburbs,” Mhaske stated after the visit.
Mhaske also criticized the railways for delays in key passenger amenity projects, including the construction and renovation of public toilets, installation of escalators, and inadequate drinking water and emergency medical facilities at the station. He noted that funds for multiple station development projects had already been sanctioned and expressed confidence that commuter facilities would improve significantly once the pending works were completed. Additionally, work on extending platforms to accommodate 15-coach local trains was nearing completion, he added.
DRM Meena acknowledged that some major infrastructure projects, particularly the SATIS-2 works, would require additional time for execution but assured that efforts were being made to expedite completion. He further mentioned that railway authorities were prioritizing pre-monsoon works to ensure uninterrupted suburban rail operations during the rainy season.
