August 16, 2025: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday, 15 August, announced that the Maharashtra government will build 30–35 lakh homes in Mumbai in an effort to prevent the steady outflow of residents to nearby towns such as Vangani in Thane and Karjat in Raigad. The move comes as a growing number of Mumbaikars are relocating to these areas in search of quieter surroundings, affordable housing, and better quality of life.
Located along the Central Railway Line, both Vangani and Karjat have become popular alternatives to the city, offering natural beauty and improved connectivity. Their proximity to major IT hubs in Navi Mumbai – including Vishwaroop IT Park, BSEL Tech Park, and Intelnet IT Park – makes them particularly attractive to professionals. From Vangani, the commute to Navi Mumbai’s IT parks takes around 1–1.5 hours, while from Karjat it is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
Property prices in these regions remain far lower than those in Mumbai, making them appealing to middle-class families and first-time buyers. The growing demand has also boosted real estate markets in Raigad and Thane, according to property platform housing.com.
Beyond affordability, Vangani and Karjat are gaining popularity for their tranquil lifestyle, with attractions such as treks, stargazing, and farmhouse retreats. Connectivity is another advantage, with Vangani having its own station on the Central Line and new projects such as the Panvel–Karjat corridor expected to reduce travel times by up to 30 minutes.
Vangani has also developed a unique community identity, with over 300 visually impaired families making the town their home for the past two decades. Many of them commute to Mumbai daily for work, drawn originally by lower living costs and affordable housing options.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
