Mumbai: CM Shinde Directs MMRDA To Fast-Track

In order to reduce traffic congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to fast-track 23 road infrastructure projects.

The 23 projects include Thane Coastal Road, extension of Eastern Freeway from Ghatkopar to Thane, elevated road between Anand Nagar toll naka and Saket, Kopari Patni bridge, remodelling Teen Hath Naka, Gaimukh-Thane and Gaimukh-Bhiwandi bridges, and Airoli tunnel-Katai naka road.

“Speed up the road connectivity projects, categorise them, focus on short-term and mid-term projects, and complete them as early as possible,” the chief minister said.

Additionally, Shinde, in a review meeting, also asked the MMRDA to submit a detailed report on the new road projects that could be taken up in the region.

He further instructed the MMRDA to take up road repairs work on a war footing to provide relief to the people from potholes.

The CM also directed the public works department to hand over certain road projects in Thane to the MMRDA for quick execution.

For those unversed, MMR comprises nine cities — Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Ulhasnagar and Panvel.

Meanwhile, on the same day, CM also announced that his government will install prepaid smart electricity meters, which will benefit 1.66 crore power consumers in the state.