India, Dec. 2 -- The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has officially scrapped its plan to construct a car shed for Metro 9 at Dongri in Mira-Bhayandar, following sustained protests by residents over the large-scale cutting of trees.

Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Monday that the authority will instead construct an elevated parking lot, for which a design has already been prepared. HT had first reported on November 5 that the MMRDA was reconsidering the depot plan amid objections from residents.

Metro 9 is a 13.58-km corridor between Dahisar East and Mira-Bhayandar, and an extension of Metro 7 (Andheri East-Dahisar East). Its first phase, between Dahisar and Kashigaon, is expected to op...