Bhayandar: The Mira-Bhayandar Metro Project faces the prospect of getting derailed due to wrangling between ruling allies BJP and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) faction. At the eye of the storm is a property owned by BJP MLA Narendra Mehta’s Seven Eleven Company which is needed to construct a stairway at the Kashigaon station.

The Metro Line 9, connecting Dahisar to Bhayandar, is over 90 per cent complete. However, the construction of the stairway at Kashigaon station has stalled the project. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has accused MLA Mehta of obstructing the project.

In 2022, the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) had requested Mehta’s Seven Eleven Company to transfer the land, which the company allegedly refused.

On May 10, Sarnaik did a site inspection along with MBMC Commissioner Radha Binod Sharma and MMRDA officials. Criticising MLA Mehta, the minister said, “Previously, such obstacles were understandable, but now, as an elected representative, Mehta should cooperate in resolving the issue.” Sarnaik warned that if the impasse continued, he will be forced to seek the intervention of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

However, Mehta dismissed Sarnaik’s allegations as ‘baseless and politically motivated’. The MLA claimed he had submitted 25 letters to the MBMC expressing his willingness to transfer the land without compensation but requested reimbursement if any future structure is developed there.

"Sarnaik, who is making accusations, has himself taken Rs 29 crore for land outside the city," Mehta said.