R Com objects to increase in BKC floor space index

The representatives of Anil Ambani-controlled Reliance Communications (RCom) have strongly objected to the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority's (MMRDA) move to increase the floor space index (FSI) at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) from two to four.

They have asked the authority not to go ahead with the move as the matter is sub judice. The MMRDA move will benefit RIL, which is developing a convention centre on 75,000 sq m at BKC.

The MMRDA Joint Metropolitan Commissioner (JMC) today heard the objections filed by the public on the move to increase the FSI at Bandra-Kurla Complex, fast emerging as an alternative business district. Among those who filed their objections included RCom. The hearing took place as a part of the mandatory legal process before the MMRDA could finalise its move.

The RCom representatives pointed out that the MMRDA move to increase the FSI amounted to a change in the bidding condition and they had already filed a writ petition against the MMRDA's move in the high court. Since the matter was sub judice, the MMRDA should not go ahead with its move, they added.

It may be recalled that outbidding the rest, Reliance Industries got the 75,000 sq m plot for Rs 1,104.11 crore to develop a convention centre last January. At the time of bidding, an FSI of only two was permissible at BKC. Subsequently, RIL pleaded that it was not possible to build an international standard convention centre and exhibition ground under the existing FSI norms. Accepting the RIL contention, the MMRDA increased the FSI to four.

Besides this, the RCom representatives also pointed out that while RIL benefited enormously from the move, the state government or the MMRDA did not get any tangible benefit. After hearing out the objections, the JMC will submit his report to the MMRDA board, headed by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.