India, July 27 -- The proposed mega long-distance rail terminus in Kandivali has hit a major roadblock after the Union ministry of defence rejected the Railways' request for a 65-acre defence land parcel for the project. The Defence ministry has told Hindustan Times that the land is occupied by the Central Ordnance Depot (COD) and Equipment Support Depot (ESD), Kandivali, and cannot be transferred, while no alternate defence land is available in the area.

"The land is under the active occupation of the COD and ESD, Kandivali, and cannot be transferred. It further clarified that no alternate defence land at Kandivali is available for transfer," the Defence ministry said in its last communication to the Railway ministry.

The communication...