January 12, 2026: The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, released its manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Sunday, outlining a wide-ranging agenda focused on infrastructure, transport, civic services, and redevelopment. Titled “Mumbai To Be Free Of Potholes & Slums”, the manifesto also promises a 50 per cent fare concession for women commuters on BEST buses.
The BMC elections are scheduled for January 15. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, and BJP leaders Ashish Shelar and Amit Satam were present at the release. BJP Mumbai president Amit Satam said the document was prepared after receiving 2.65 lakh suggestions from city residents.
Addressing the event, Fadnavis said the manifesto emphasises inclusive development, modern infrastructure, and sustainability. He announced upgrades to the suburban railway network, expansion of water transport services, and an increase in the BEST bus fleet from 5,000 to 10,000 buses. He also confirmed a 50 per cent travel concession for women on BEST services and an investment of Rs 17,000 crore to improve air and water quality and reduce carbon emissions. Fadnavis added that AI-based tools developed with IIT Bombay would be used to identify illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the alliance’s work over the last three-and-a-half years is reflected in the manifesto and reiterated plans to encourage Marathi residents who have moved out of Mumbai to return.
Key proposals include making narrower roads asphalted and wider roads concrete, creating utility ducts and tunnels to prevent repeated digging, and developing an underground Thane–Borivali route to cut travel time. The manifesto also outlines hawker rehabilitation, increased parking capacity, AI labs in municipal schools, interest-free loans for Koli community businesses, and 24-hour water supply with improved drainage systems.
On redevelopment, the alliance has promised special schemes for Koliwadas, faster slum redevelopment with added amenities, resolution of issues affecting 20,000 buildings, quicker occupancy certificates, and housing for project-affected people across the city.
Source: News18
