CM Devendra Fadnavis' roadmap to change Mumbai's transport

CM Devendra Fadnavis's first year in power saw him and his government fight a serious drought situation, escalating farmer suicides and revenue deficit. With the past year's crises behind him, the CM has now turned his focus on transforming Mumbai's transport and housing scenarios - two things much-needed in the city.

Also read: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis: Why didn't they return awards when a scholar's arm was cut off?

Devendra Fadnavis. Pic/Rane Ashish

The past year in the CM's office has given Fadnavis particular insight into how he could a chart a roadmap to transform the capital city. "Aamchi Mumbai will never be same again", he said, as he unfolded his plans for the Maximum City.

CM speaks on his plans for Mumbai's future

Coastal road
The coastal road, which will connect Nariman Point with Kandivli, is in the final stages of environmental clearances. The environmental agencies have allowed us to reclaim the sea for the project.

Also Read: Upcoming projects that can ease traffic congestion in Mumbai

If all goes to plan, the city could have 108 km of Metro rail by 2019. File pic

The hearing of suggestions and objections is being held in New Delhi. We will issue tenders next year. The actual work will start in the second half of next year.

Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link
The proposal to build the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) between Sewri and Nava Sheva is also awaiting final environmental clearance from the Centre, while the financial arrangements will be finalised by December by the project financer the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had demanded a clarification on whether past clearances are still valid, we expect this will be sorted out soon. We have fulfilled all conditions about eco-sensitive zones, a mangrove park and flamingo sanctuary. Now we will seek a complete environment clearance so that MTHL gets fast-tracked.

11 lakh flats by 2022
Trans-harbour links across the world have helped a great deal to create a housing stock. In the first phase, we will start working on 2.5 lakh houses in one year through every possible way. We have a target of constructing 11 lakh flats by 2022.

One-ticket travel
We have appointed a consultant to decide whether single ticketing is possible for all transport in the city, be it suburban and Metro trains, Monorail or BEST buses. We will have a transport grid in the city for which the commuters will not need separate ticketing for various modes of transport.

Monorail badly planned
The existing Monorail is a bad example of planning. It does not feed any other network. We will correct this grave mistake in future planning, and construct more Monorails as feeder routes to suburban and Metro rail networks.

108 km of Metro by 2019
Actual work on Metro III will start very soon, as the major portion of land is already available. The two other corridors (on either side of Western Railway) will have their final order ready in next three months.

We will have a Metro network of 108 km in place by 2019. In fact, the state government will start the initial civil work of all Metros using is own money so that a valuable time is not wasted. The money will be adjusted later.

Metro fare hike unjustified
To me, a hike proposal seems completely unjustified. The CAG has accepted our request to audit the finances of the entire Metro I project. The final decision on the hike will be taken once this audit is done.