For the fiscal year 2024–2025, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set aside a sizeable budget of Rs 60,000 crore, with a focus on infrastructure development throughout Mumbai. The civic body is still focused on solving the city’s urgent requirements in stormwater drains, sewage management, roads, and bridges, even though Rs 18,191 crore has already been spent on capital projects through December 31, 2023. Nonetheless, civic activists and former corporators continue to voice concerns regarding the transparency of fund utilisation.
In addition to other big projects, Rs 12,000 crore has been set up for road building, which includes important projects like the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR). The BMC has also committed Rs 26,000 crore to sewage treatment plants in places like Dharavi, Ghatkopar, and Bandra, while the anticipated cost of construction on the coastal route from Versova to Bhayander is Rs 20,000 crore. These initiatives seek to address Mumbai’s infrastructure issues, including those related to water management and traffic congestion.
Former corporator Ravi Raja expressed disapproval of the work’s speed, pointing out that despite significant funding being allotted year after year, many projects are still behind schedule. He pointed out inefficiencies in the tendering and execution processes by pointing out that money is being cleared for bills without sufficient checks. Residents and civic organisations, who have long called for increased responsibility in project delivery, share this sentiment.
There has been criticism of the BMC’s spending under the administrator’s control. Public control of infrastructure spending decisions has been lacking since 2022 when elected officials were suspended. According to critics, this has made it unclear how money is allocated to contractors and whether value-for-money audits are being carried out. Rais Shaikh, an MLA for the Samajwadi Party, called the situation a “mismanagement of public resources” and called for more robust measures to guarantee openness.
In response, the BMC is seeking public input on the 2024–2025 budget. Feedback from residents can be sent in writing or via email by January 17, 2025. The civic body is working to resolve concerns over the distribution of funding and include citizens in decision-making processes.
The BMC is hopeful about its infrastructure plans despite the criticism. In the upcoming months, major initiatives like the restoration of parking lots, open spaces, and bridges should pick up steam. Officials have promised that in order to avoid more delays, ongoing projects are being continuously watched.
The BMC’s record budget must be used effectively as Mumbai struggles to meet its expanding urban demands. Although the emphasis on infrastructure is commendable, gaining the public’s trust and providing long-term, sustainable solutions for the city’s future will need to maintain accountability and openness.
Source: Prop News Time
