Land In Lieu Of Funds: NMC, NIT To Transfer 20 Plots To Maha Metro

Nagpur: Acting on state govt's directive, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) have initiated the process of transferring land parcels given earlier on lease to Maha Metro on a freehold basis. The move is part of fulfilling commitments made under the tripartite agreement for Nagpur Metro phase-I.

Under the agreement, both NMC and NIT had promised to contribute 5% each towards the Rs8,680 crore phase-I project cost, amounting to Rs434 crore each. Instead of direct cash infusion, the value of the lands being transferred is to be adjusted against their share of contribution.

According to a senior Maha Metro official, until now, as stakeholders the NMC had given Rs351 crore and the NIT Rs106.77 crore to Maha Metro as part of the phase-I project. The last instalment from NIT was Rs11.75 crore given on July 8, 2024, while the NMC's was Rs15 crore given on July 11, 2022, the official said.

As per the urban development department's April 28 govt resolution, NMC will freehold eight land parcels measuring 9,220.20 sq. m. These include plots at Sitabuldi (Khoa Bazaar, Hindi School, Tulsi Hindi School, Santra Market), Somalwada (near Vij Mata Mandir), Ambazari (Indira Gandhi Hospital, Dharampeth College), and near Mahatma Phule Market. Most of these plots are already being used for stations, viaducts, entry/exit points, parking, and police station facilities.

Similarly, NIT will transfer ownership of 12 plots with a total area of 37,621.07 sq. m. to Maha Metro. These include significant parcels at Prajapati Nagar, Somalwada (Ujjwal Nagar ground), Lendhra (Metro Bhavan, Shankar Nagar station, Institution of Engineers, Dharampeth Education Society land), Ambazari (Dharampeth College, Krazy Castle land), Nagpur city (Telephone Exchange Square, Agrasen Square), and Ajni (Ajni Square Metro station). These sites already host Metro stations, depots, or allied infrastructure.

Municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari chaired a joint meeting with NMC's estate department and Maha Metro officials to review the status. He directed the NMC officials to speed up the freehold process.

The govt has made it clear that these lands must be used strictly for Metro purposes. If no longer required, these lands are to be returned to the original civic bodies. Both NMC and NIT are required to complete the legal formalities expeditiously and ensure the properties are free of litigation before handing them over.

Meanwhile, NMC has also started the process of taking over three underpasses constructed by Maha Metro at Manish Nagar, Somalwada, and Loha Pul. The transfer of lands is seen as a crucial step in closing the financial obligations of phase-I, which has been operational since 2019.