BMC Plans To Convert Octroi Nakas Into Smart Hubs, To Spend Over Rs 1000 Cr

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is planning to convert its octroi nakas at Dahisar and Mankhurd into smart transport and commercial hubs. The estimated development cost for Dahisar is around Rs 992 crore and Mankhurd is approximately Rs 240 crore.

As per reports, the BMC intends to hire a consultant to assist in converting the octroi nakas into effective transportation and commercial hubs. The idea is to prevent long-distance buses from entering the city by allocating dedicated places at the nakas, which are furnished with amenities like parking spaces, dining establishments, restaurants, bus bays, CNG pumps, charging stations, and enquiry and ticketing counters. Through a variety of modalities, including BEST buses, trains, the metro, and other private and public transportation choices, the transportation hub will offer last-mile connectivity.

According to the BMC report, a survey will be carried out to evaluate the routes and quantities of state and privately operated long-distance buses in the city before consulting the transport hub consultant. Before making any decisions, a market analysis for mixed development projects will also be done. The BMC will also ask visitors for their opinions before considering offering cheap transit lodging and hostel services for tourists and those on the go.

The main goals of this hub development are to promote economic opportunities and reduce city transportation congestion. The BMC intends to use the feedback from these hubs to enhance its services even more. A craft and culture hub displaying Indian art forms, an art gallery, and an exhibition banquet hall will also receive special attention. Buses arriving via the Pune and Goa routes will stop at Mankhurd, while those coming from the northern part will stop at Dahisar. The BMC might also look at the prospect of similarly converting other octroi nakas. Dahisar Octroi Naka covers an area of 18,869 square metres, whilst Mankhurd Octroi Naka covers an area of 29,774 square metres.