Maharashtra CM Fadnavis sets timeline for Mumbai's crucial infrastructure projects

Mumbai: The BJP-led government in Maharashtra, in a bid to give much-needed boost to transform Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into a global, financial, commercial and entertainment hub, announced on Friday a slew of steps that include a timeline of two years to complete the Rs 8,500 crore coastal road project, making the Navi Mumbai International Airport operational by 2019 and to start the much delayed Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project this year. “We are moving at a fast pace and have set a timeline to complete crucial projects in the MMR. I have cleared around 25 development plans for various cities in the last two months. I don’t feel getting finance is a problem. It’s about making a clean project, well conceived project with consultation of all stakeholders,” said Fadnavis at the Mumbai Next MMR Transformation Conclave. [caption id=“attachment_2084423” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Devendra Fadnavis. PTI[/caption] He further added that he will start the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project this year while the tenders for the coastal road project will be invited in the next three months. “I want the coastal road project to be completed in next two years. Also, the Navi Mumbai International Airport will be operation by 2019,” the Chief Minister said emphasising that planning and implementation is key to boost infrastructure development and improve the living standards of people. Fadnavis said that a war room has been set up in his office to coordinate with 17 different government department and agencies to avoid delays in implementing the projects. “We are now coming up with a plan for tourism and will soon release it after the cabinet approval. It will also have an entertainment museum in the city,” said Fadnavis adding that he has asked tourism secretary to show the master plan to actor Amitabh Bachchan for his views on it. Earlier, Bachchan had said that the city lacks designated spaces like museums or theatres to showcase what Mumbai has culturally contributed to the country. “The Marathi stage has a prominent history which nobody is aware of. Maharashtra has a huge history with many interesting archaeological sites. We need to initiate a campaign that showcases the culture of Maharashtra. Besides this, we need structures where city’s visitors can go and relax, where the city’s creative talent can go and perform,” had said Bachchan.