NMMT is ‘shocked’ over Khobragade’s comment

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) has expressed shock and disbelief over statement of Uttam Khobragade, BEST general manager. NMMT member Sasi Damodaran said, “I find it difficult to believe that a senior, experienced IAS officer like Khobragade could speak like this. Once an instruction has been issued by the state government, the officers should follow it. Where is the question of seeking permission
from BEST?”

On Wednesday, Khobragade had said: “We will not allow NNMT buses to halt at our bus stops/shelters. They can construct their own stops if they want to operate within the city limits.” 

“Khobragade is not the final authority. The NMMT has sought an appointment with transport secretary CS Sangeetrao in the matter,” said Damodaran.

The decision to allow NMMT and other transport bodies to ply buses in Mumbai was taken at a joint meeting held in February. The state government approved the decision, following which NMMT sought Regional Transport Authority’s (RTA) permission.

“Even BEST officials were present during the meeting. Why didn’t they raise objections then? Over the years, BEST has introduced more services to the satellite city, but they never sought our permission even after Cidco handed over the entire property to NMMT,” Damodaran pointed out.

When asked if NMMT was prepared to bear the expense of building bus terminals and stops, Damodaran said, “It is not feasible.” Transport Commissioner Deepak Kapoor too supported NMMT and said, “How many depots and stops can be erected? It is not feasible, considering Mumbai’s congestion. We have asked NMMT to give representation before the transport secretary. We will call both the parties and try to solve the matter amicably in view of the larger public good.”

When contacted, Sangeetrao said, “We will look in to the matter.”