Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 17: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced that the integration of all transport infrastructure in Mumbai is expected to be completed by 2029, enabling travel across the city in just 59 minutes. Speaking at a real estate conclave, he highlighted that the establishment of a war room has facilitated coordination among various agencies, accelerating infrastructure projects.
Fadnavis outlined the government’s focus on developing Navi Mumbai, where the “third Mumbai” is taking shape. With projects like Atal Setu and the Navi Mumbai International Airport underway, the state is building an Edutech City, which will host only 12 universities from the global top 50, aiming to attract around one lakh students. He also noted that 60% of data centres in the state will be located in Navi Mumbai, urging developers to invest in the region.
Addressing urban planning challenges, Fadnavis said vertical development is the only viable solution for Mumbai, with modern technology addressing fire safety concerns. He acknowledged that most illegal constructions are legacy issues, particularly in Thane, Mira-Bhayandar, and Vasai-Virar. A new geo-spatial monitoring tool will track construction in real time using satellite data integrated with building plans, flagging any unapproved structures.
Fadnavis attributed Mumbai’s traffic congestion to a six-decade-old backlog. He outlined major road projects including the Coastal Road, running parallel to the Western Express Highway up to Vadhavan Port, the Virar-Alibaug road forming a circular corridor, a parallel road at Goregaon, and the Worli-Sewri connector. Integration of metro lines is expected to significantly reduce travel time across the city.
The CM also criticised activists for obstructing infrastructure work, calling out those who, in his view, prioritise personal gain over public interest. He cited the five-year delay in Metro III car shed construction, which was eventually commissioned and saw nearly two lakh commuters the following day. Fadnavis also referenced the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, stating that mitigation measures ensured the protection of flamingos while allowing the project to proceed.
Regarding Navi Mumbai’s lakes, he assured that water bodies would not be closed, clarifying that any temporary measures would be to safeguard flight paths and wildlife without hampering development.