Civic body mulls erecting new 'gateways' to Mumbai

BMCu00a0plans to build entrance gates at Mulund and Vashi to welcome travellers driving to the city; project would cost Rs 6-8 crore

The filth, flooding and pollution within city limits notwithstanding, the BMC proposes to prettify two of the metropolis' entry points at Mulund and Vashi by building entrance gates. The beautification exercise will cost the corporation Rs 6-8 crore.

Civic officials are readying the designs for the gates, which would likely depict images evocative of the city's heritage and culture.

A BMC official said, "Only one meeting has been held in the corporation wherein the theme for the gates was finalised. The rest will follow."

He added that the entrance at Mulund would be bear the motif of Goddess Laxmi, as the checkpoint there rakes in Octroi revenue for the civic body, while the one on Mumbai-Panvel Highway at Vashi would depict the renowned Trimurti at Elephanta Caves.
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"The Trimurti at Elephanta Caves speaks of the history of the city and that's why we have selected it for portrayal on one of the gates," he said.

The civic officials will first have to get all the nods and the budgetary provisions, before inviting tenders for constructing the gates.
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"It would take close to a year to make the gates. Other than several approvals from the corporation, we will require permissions from the state government and the traffic department.
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The procedure would take time but it has been planned. The gates should be ready by next year," added another official.

BMC's Standing Committee Chairperson Rahul Shewale dismissed concerns of unnecessary expenditure on the project.
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"It is necessary to make your city beautiful and interesting by working on minute details," he said, adding, "One of the main reasons we are doing this is to make the city more beautiful."