Bombay High Court Greenlights Western Railway Expansion Amid Eco Concerns

The Bombay High Court has approved the construction of the fifth and sixth railway lines between Borivali and Virar stations on the Western Railway, despite the need to cut 2,612 mangroves. The project aims to ease traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and save fuel, and includes a directive for replanting mangroves.

The Bombay High Court has authorized the construction of additional railway lines between Borivali and Virar stations on Western Railway, allowing the felling of 2,612 mangroves to proceed.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar deemed the project crucial for easing traffic congestion, reducing emissions, and conserving fuel.

The court balanced public interest against ecological concerns, mandating the replanting of 7,823 mangroves to offset environmental damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)