MUMBAI: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has urged the authorities to reconsider the proposed location of an electrical substation for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Underground Road Tunnel Project, opposing the use of the volleyball ground at Mafatlal Gymkhana in Girgaon Chowpatty.Lodha met Mumbai city additional collector Bappasaheb Thorat and resident officer Dr Shivananda Langdapure on Tuesday, along with several local residents, and urged the district administration to preserve the playground for public use. He argued that at least two to three alternative sites were available for the proposed substation.The High-Power Committee has proposed setting up the substation on the volleyball ground. However, Lodha pointed out that railway land across the road could be considered. Another possible location is a site in the Chowpatty area where work had previously commenced for an underground substation.“Volleyball is a sport played by ordinary citizens. Every day, between 300 and 500 people play here from 6am onwards. Since alternatives are available, our request is that this ground should be preserved for public use,” Lodha said.He also claimed that almost all members of the High-Power Committee had agreed to consider the alternative sites.Lodha said he had held discussions with MMRDA officials and senior members of the High-Power Committee on the issue. A joint meeting will be convened after Diwali to arrive at a final solution, he said.The Orange Gate–Marine Drive underground tunnel is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion in South Mumbai. Lodha said the project should be completed on schedule but stressed that infrastructure development should not come at the cost of public open spaces.Mafatlal Gymkhana, formally known as The P M Hindu Bath Swimming and Boat Club Trust, is a charitable institution established in 1939 and inaugurated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. With around 44,000 members, the institution provides access to sports and health facilities to more than 3,000 citizens every day.
