Despite the city receiving a massive infrastructural boost year after year, with ambitious projects like the Coastal Road and Atal Setu taking centre stage in the civic budget, local issues such as dug-up streets, stalled concretisation projects, missing pedestrian ways, lack of enough open spaces, public health, and education continue to take a backseat. These persistent challenges remain a major concern for Mumbaikars, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to urban development, said Milind Mhaske CEO, Praja Foundation.

Speaking with mid-day about expectations from the civic budget and key focus areas for Budget 2025, Mhaske said, “While various aspects are covered, the BMC needs to introduce a dedicated section on budget outcomes. This should include an assessment of successes and shortcomings from the previous financial year, highlighting achievements, completed projects, and those that remain stalled. There may be valid reasons for delays, but the public deserves transparency.”