Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to review the status of Mumbai's multiple infrastructure projects today. At a meeting with officials of the Urban Development Ministry, he is expected to discuss threadbare the problems plaguing the projects.

The Maharashtra government has been asking the Centre to take some decisions on a priority basis. With approval for most projects stuck in New Delhi, the state is seeking the Centre's okay to go ahead with implementation of the projects 'pending approval.'

The state also wants the Rs 1,800 crore Brimstowad project for upgrading Mumbai's stormwater drainage system to be cleared on priority. The project, aimed at preventing a repeat of the July 26 flooding, is to be completed over the next three years. The state is going to commence work on the project in October from its own funds, but has requested 100 per cent funding from the Centre.

The project was earlier proposed under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), but could only avail 35 per cent funding under it. At the same time, the state wants the Centre to clear other projects proposed for funding from the JNNURM. So far, only the Rs 1,896 crore Mumbai Sewage Disposal Project has been cleared under JNNURM. Four other key projects posed under JNNURM -- the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (Rs 2,647 crore), the Mithi River Development Project (Rs 300 crore), the Middle Vaitarna Dam project (Rs 1,600 crore) and the Slum Sanitation project are yet to get the Centre's nod.

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