In a significant push to fast-track urban development, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has initiated a major overhaul of the state’s key infrastructure projects, issuing firm, non-negotiable deadlines for their completion. During a recent high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the need for efficiency, advanced technology and round-the-clock efforts to ensure these vital works benefit citizens without further delay.
This decisive move targets 10 major infrastructure projects, aimed at transforming connectivity, easing traffic congestion and providing better housing across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune. The message from the top is clear: bureaucratic delays will not be tolerated, and timely delivery is paramount.
A Clear path for city train networks
A large focus of the review was on the state’s rapidly expanding city train (Metro) networks, which are crucial for decongesting densely populated urban centers.
For Pune, the ambitious Metro Line 3, which connects Maan, Hinjewadi, and Shivajinagar, has been given a firm completion target of March 31, 2026. This project, overseen by the Pune regional development authority, promises to significantly improve travel for IT professionals and daily commuters.
In Mumbai, two crucial Metro lines now have official end dates:
- Mumbai Metro Line 2B (running from D.N. Nagar to Mandale) is scheduled to be finished by March 31, 2027.
- The Swami Samarth Nagar–Vikhroli Line is expected to be completed earlier, by December 31, 2026.
Modernizing homes and highways
Beyond public transit, the Chief Minister dedicated attention to long-pending redevelopment and critical road links.
The massive BDD Chawl redevelopment projects, which aim to provide modern housing for thousands of families in Mumbai, were given staggered but definite deadlines:
- The Worli site is targeted for completion by May 2029.
- The Naigaon site must be completed by June 2029.
- The N.M. Joshi Marg site has the latest deadline set for June 2031.
On the road and sea link front, several key links have been pushed for rapid completion. The Versova–Dahisar–Bhayandar Coastal Road is slated to finish by December 30, 2028. Additionally, the Vadpe–Thane Road, a vital 23.8-kilometer stretch connecting to the important Samruddhi Mahamarg (prosperity highway) must be completed by March 2026.
Other key projects now subject to strict scrutiny include the Shivdi–Worli connector, the Thane–Borivali twin tunnel, the Uttan–Vasai Sea Link, and the Orange Gate–Marine Drive urban tunnel. All these large-scale works have been ordered to operate with 24-hour work schedules to meet the new time limits.
Accountability and the way forward
The review meeting was not just about setting dates, it was also about accountability. CM Mr. Devendra Fadnavis reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction over ongoing delays in certain projects, specifically calling out the slower progress on the Bandra–Versova Sea Link. He issued clear instructions to contractors to immediately adopt advanced construction technologies to make up for lost time.
This crackdown on delays signals a clear intent from the Maharashtra government to expedite development and transform the state’s urban landscape. By fixing firm deadlines and monitoring progress closely, the state is taking a major step towards ensuring that the benefits of this massive infrastructure spending reach the common person on time, leading to reduced travel stress and improved quality of life.
Also Read – A blueprint for Bombay’s future: New rules to unlock Mumbai’s housing
Disclaimer – This article is based on publicly reported news and is for informational purposes only. Project timelines are subject to external factors and may change.
Write Your Comment