$30 bn, 119 SEZs, inclusive growth

In the past three-and-a-half years, our state has been successful in attracting an investment of US $30 billion in mega projects. During this period, we have signed MoUs with 95 companies of national and international repute like Tatas, Mercedes Benz, Microsoft, Infosys, LG, Mahindra & Mahindra and Daimler and Chrysler.

During this period, the state got approval for 119 SEZ projects —the highest in the country. Most of the SEZ projects in the state will be set up on land already acquired by state government-run corporations — the MIDC and the CIDCO.

SEZ projects will be set up in all parts of Maharashtra and once in operation, they will transform the economic fortunes of the state. I am confident that all these projects will provide large-scale opportunities of employment and self-employment to lakhs of youngsters in my state, thus achieving the objectives of ‘inclusive growth.’

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...