The state government is implementing the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (MUIP), Metro Link Project, mono-rail, new roads, flyovers, skywalks and sea-links. These projects are in various stages of completion and within the next two to three years, they will all contribute to Mumbai’s global look.

The Dharavi re-development is another of our ambitious project. We want to make Dharavi into a well-developed modern city.

Maharashtra is the most urbanised city of India with nearly 50 per cent of its population living in urban areas. With growing urbanisation, we have been undertaking urban renewal in all big and small cities of the state. Maharashtra got maximum financial assistance from the Central Government under the Jawaharlal National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). With this assistance, the state is implementing various projects to improve and upgrade the basic infrastructure, transportation, amenities and health facilities in the cities. I am confident that with all these efforts, most of the cities in the state will become more livable.

Because of rapid urbanisation, the subject of affordable housing has become critical. We have formulated our own new housing policy. In fact, Maharashtra is the only state in India to formulate such an innovative housing policy. We have an ambitious plan to build 10 lakh affordable houses in the next two years for lower and middle-income groups and for the poor sections of society. This year, we have made a provision of Rs1,905 crore for the Housing Department and Rs12,259 crore for the Urban Development Department in the budget. The State Housing Policy have many innovative provisions. To implement our massive housing plan, we have decided to raise resources through a levy of 25 per cent premium on developers who are undertaking slum rehabilitation schemes on lands that belong to government or semi-government or local bodies. We have also taken a decision to provide houses as per the norms of the National Housing Policy to ensure that the beneficiaries get an apartment of 270 sq ft carpet area with a better layout.

... contd.