Maha govt to construct 30 lakh affordable homes: Dy CM
Mumbai, Aug 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday announced that the state government has set a target to construct 30 lakh affordable homes across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) over the next two decades.
Speaking at a housing and infrastructure conclave, Shinde said the administration’s mantra is “acceleration over obstruction” and outlined a vision for urban transformation driven by Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), cluster redevelopment initiatives, and the creation of a tech‑forward “Third Mumbai.”
To meet housing requirements, the state plans to deliver 10 lakh homes within Mumbai proper, comprising 6 lakh through Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects and 4 lakh via Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and allied schemes.
The remaining 20 lakh homes will be distributed across Thane, Mira‑Bhayander, Kalyan‑Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar and Bhiwandi, Shinde said.
“Our goal is to complete the construction of all 30 lakh homes by 2047 without fail,” he stated.
He added that policy shifts, including an amnesty scheme for Occupancy Certificates (OC), chawl redevelopment on textile mill lands, and new frameworks for pagadi buildings, are bolstering the real estate sector.
On connectivity, Shinde reaffirmed the government’s commitment to major infrastructure undertakings. The Thane Internal Ring Metro, executed via Maha Metro, aims to ease traffic congestion, shorten commute times and reduce pressure on Thane railway station.
The Third Mumbai Project is being developed around the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Atal Setu, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Samruddhi Mahamarg.
The hub is envisioned as a futuristic city over the next 50 years, hosting specialised zones including an Aerocity, Medicity, Sports City, EduCity and IT‑Fintech hubs.
Shinde said cluster projects will integrate 23 civic amenities, including digital libraries, community halls, primary health centres and women’s empowerment centres.
Dismissing critics of large‑scale infrastructure, he noted that ventures like the Samruddhi Expressway and Coastal Road succeeded despite initial doubts, thanks to proactive dialogue with stakeholders.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Maharashtra will contribute over 25 per cent toward India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
–IANS
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