Shinde outlines Mumbai plan: 59-minute commutes and 35 lakh homes by 2030
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Mumbai's growth must ease citizens' lives, and set out goals on travel time, housing, open spaces and jobs.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presented a new blueprint for Mumbai's development at an event in the city on Tuesday. He said the growth of Mumbai, counted among the world's big cities and the country's financial capital, should not be limited to wide roads, the Metro and other infrastructure projects. According to him, it should also make life easier for ordinary citizens.
Shinde linked shorter travel times, jobs, homes, open spaces, protection of the environment and new economic activity to Mumbai's future. Under the "Mumbai in Minutes" idea, he expressed hope that no journey would take more than 59 minutes. He also expressed hope that the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel would cut travel time and increase business and job opportunities.
On housing, Shinde spoke of a new housing policy under the "Mera Ghar, Mera Haq" idea. It aims to build 35 lakh homes by 2030 for low-income and needy people. The aim is to help the city's workers and other needy families get homes easily.
The new development plan aims to add 479 hectares to Mumbai's existing open spaces of about 453 hectares, widening the extent of public open spaces. Emphasis was also laid on protecting mangroves, sewage treatment, flood control, saving green areas and public transport that cuts pollution.
Shinde also outlined plans to expand the Mumbai Metropolitan Region by linking the Atal Setu, Navi Mumbai Airport, JNPT and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor to new growth centres. Referring to the process of building a "third Mumbai" around the Atal Setu, he said future development would not remain confined to south, west or east Mumbai. Under the new policy, the government is focusing on developing transport, housing, business, freight and employment hubs through an integrated plan.
On jobs, the goal is to make Mumbai the world's fintech centre. The government's focus is on increasing employment in banking, IT, startups, healthcare, entertainment and manufacturing. If new industries spread in areas such as fintech, e-commerce, healthtech and deeptech, job and business opportunities for young people are expected to grow.
