The Maharashtra government has unveiled plans to implement Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) around metro and monorail stations across the state. This initiative aims to encourage the use of public transportation by creating walkable, mixed-use communities near transit hubs.
The plan outlines the creation of TOD zones within a 500-meter radius of metro and monorail stations. These zones will see a significant increase in residential density, with developers being allowed a higher Floor Space Index (FSI) - a measure of how much built-up area is permitted on a particular plot. The minimum FSI in these zones will be 2.25, rising to 4 for plots exceeding 2 lakh square feet with wider roads.
This relaxed FSI is expected to incentivize developers to create high-density housing options, including smaller, more affordable tenements similar to those offered in slum rehabilitation projects. Additionally, the notification prohibits the merging of flats within these zones, ensuring a wider range of housing options remains available.
The government expects this initiative to have a multi-pronged benefit. Primarily, it aims to increase ridership on public transport systems like metro and monorail by making them more easily accessible to residents. This, in turn, is expected to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas.
Furthermore, the creation of mixed-use communities around stations will provide residents with easy access to essential amenities like shops, offices, and recreational facilities, all within walking distance. This not only reduces reliance on personal vehicles but also fosters a more vibrant and walkable urban environment.
The Maharashtra government's TOD plan is still in its initial stages, with specific regulations and implementation details yet to be finalized. However, the initiative has garnered interest from various stakeholders, including urban planners, public transport advocates, and developers.
Urban planners see TOD as a crucial strategy for addressing challenges associated with rapid urbanization, such as traffic congestion, sprawl, and environmental degradation. Public transport advocates believe it will incentivize the use of sustainable modes of transportation, leading to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions.
Developers, on the other hand, view the relaxed FSI norms as a potential business opportunity. They see the development of high-density, mixed-use communities around stations as an attractive proposition, catering to the growing demand for affordable and convenient housing options in urban areas.
While challenges remain, including ensuring equitable access to housing and addressing concerns regarding potential displacement of existing residents, the Maharashtra government's TOD initiative holds promise for promoting sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for citizens across the state.