Navi Mumbai News: Citizen Activists To Hold Silent Human Chain Protest Over Delayed Opening Of ₹190-Crore Vashi Bus Depot On August 23

Navi Mumbai: Frustrated with the long delay in opening the Rs 190-crore, 21-floor bus depot at Vashi, citizen activists have announced a silent human chain protest on August 23 to highlight the hardships faced by commuters.

Activists Seek CM’s Intervention

The protest is being organised by citizens’ forum Human Chain, which has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking urgent intervention. The activists say that despite being completed more than a year ago, the massive commercial-cum-bus depot project has not been inaugurated, leaving thousands of commuters in distress.

Commuters Suffer Since Old Depot Closure

Ever since the old Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) depot at Sector 9A was shut down in October 2019, passengers have been forced to wait for buses on open roads, exposed to rains, heat and dust. “When will commuters get freedom from these worries?” forum convenor B.N. Kumar asked.

Missed Deadlines Spark Anger

The civic body had earlier promised to open the facility on Republic Day 2023, but deadlines have repeatedly been missed. Even Forest Minister and Airoli MLA Ganesh Naik had assured that the depot would be operational by this monsoon, but commuters continue to wait.

‘Criminal Waste of Public Money’

Activists allege that keeping the Rs 190-crore taxpayer-funded building idle amounts to “a criminal waste of public money.” Kumar pointed out that NMMC could have earned at least Rs 14.25 crore annually in interest if the amount had been deposited instead.

Public Voices Commuter Woes

Citizens from various walks of life have voiced their anger. Housewife Vibha Syunry said the absence of a proper depot makes travel confusing and inconvenient, while senior citizen groups highlighted the plight of the elderly, women and children forced to run after buses in chaotic traffic conditions.

Civic Body Cites Pending Internal Work

The forum expressed hope that the silent human chain will prompt the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and NMMT to open the long-awaited facility at the earliest.

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Meanwhile according to NMMC, the depot received Occupancy Certificate (OC), a month and half back only. "Though the building looked to be ready, there were lot of internal work pending inside. It's not just a depot but a commercial space too," the spokesperson said.