November 04, 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that the redevelopment of BDD chawls be given the status of an “essential project” to expedite its progress. Chairing a review meeting on Monday to assess ongoing infrastructure projects across Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, the CM also laid down fresh deadlines for several major urban transport initiatives.
Fadnavis instructed that the BDD Chawl redevelopment in Naigaon be completed by June 2029, the Worli project by May 2029, and the N.M. Joshi Marg redevelopment by June 2031. He emphasized that declaring the BDD chawl redevelopment an essential project would help streamline approvals and accelerate construction.
The CM also reviewed progress on the Mumbai Metro network, directing that Metro Line 2B (D.N. Nagar to Diamond Garden-Mandalay) be completed by March 31, 2027, while the Swami Samarth Nagar–Vikhroli line must be finished by December 31, 2026. To prevent further delays, Fadnavis instructed the Urban Development Department to resolve land-related issues at Shyam Nagar station within 15 days.
Similarly, he set March 31, 2026, as the target for completing the Mann–Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 in Pune. The Vadpe–Thane Road project, spanning 23.8 km and executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Authority (MSRDC), has already seen 19 km completed, with full completion expected by March 2026.
Fadnavis also urged the timely execution of major connectivity projects such as the Thane–Borivali twin tunnel, Uttan–Virar Sea Link, and the Orange Gate–Marine Drive urban tunnel. Highlighting the Airoli–Katai Naka Freeway, he said, “The travel time will be reduced to 20 minutes,” while instructing MMRDA to expedite land acquisition payments. He also expressed displeasure over delays in the Bandra–Versova Sea Link project.
Source: The Indian Express
