Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced an ambitious housing target of 30 lakh affordable homes across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) over the next two decades, as part of the state government’s wider plan for planned urban development.
Shinde made the announcement while addressing a “Housing and Infrastructure” conclave organised by Loksatta in Mumbai on Wednesday. He discussed several initiatives being pursued through the Urban Development and Housing departments, which he has headed at different points.
Of the proposed 30 lakh homes, around 10 lakh units are expected to be developed within Mumbai city. About six lakh will be delivered through the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), while another four lakh are planned through MHADA and other housing programmes.
The remaining 20 lakh homes are proposed across key parts of the MMR, including Thane, Mira-Bhayander, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar and Bhiwandi. Shinde said the government would complete the ambitious housing target by 2047 “in every circumstance.”
He also highlighted the role of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), describing its approval as a significant move that has facilitated the redevelopment of ageing and dilapidated buildings.
According to Shinde, a cluster redevelopment policy for unauthorised structures is also expected to improve civic infrastructure. The initiative will provide 23 amenities, including digital libraries, community halls, primary healthcare centres and women’s empowerment centres.
On infrastructure, Shinde pointed to the proposed Thane Internal Ring Metro project, which will be implemented by MahaMetro to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time.
He also outlined the government’s long-term “Third Mumbai” vision around Navi Mumbai airport, Atal Setu, JNPA and the Samruddhi Mahamarg. The 50-year development plan envisages specialised zones such as an Aerocity, Medicity, Sports City, Edu City and an IT-fintech hub.
Shinde said the government wants Mumbai to emerge as a global fintech centre and expressed confidence that Maharashtra’s contribution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision would cross 25 per cent.
Source: NDTV Profit
