Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the first phase of Mumbai's Metro Line 3, connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey, will be operational by the end of September. The second phase is expected to be completed within the next year, making Metro Line 3 a vital north-south corridor for the city. Spanning 33.5 kilometers, the line will significantly improve connectivity across Mumbai by linking six commercial suburbs, 30 office areas, 12 educational institutions, 11 major hospitals, 10 transport hubs, and both of Mumbai?s airports. This extensive network is expected to reduce travel times and ease congestion.
In addition to this infrastructure project, CM Shinde revealed an ambitious plan to make Mumbai slum-free by constructing at least three million low-cost homes. The state government has partnered with agencies like the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), and Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to expedite slum rehabilitation projects. One notable project includes the redevelopment of Ramabai Nagar in Ghatkopar, where approximately 17,000 tenements will be constructed to rehouse slum dwellers. Residents in the area are being compensated with substantial rents during the redevelopment phase.
Shinde's vision for a slum-free Mumbai aligns with the goal set by Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, who envisioned building four million homes in the city. The current initiative has already seen progress, with 200,000 affordable houses under construction. Private builders are being incentivized with reduced premiums to encourage their participation in this massive housing effort.
Furthermore, Shinde hinted at the inauguration of several infrastructure projects ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, indicating that the government is working on a comprehensive development plan for Mumbai. He also mentioned that seat-sharing discussions within the Mahayuti alliance are progressing well, with a formula expected to be finalized within the next 8-10 days.
These announcements underline Shinde's focus on urban development and housing reforms in Mumbai, aiming to address long-standing issues such as slum rehabilitation and infrastructure improvement.
