Maharashtra government has granted essential project status to the BDD Chawl redevelopment while setting revised deadlines for several major infrastructure works across Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. The decision, announced during a recent review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, underscores the administration’s intent to fast-track transport and housing infrastructure critical to urban mobility and affordable housing.
According to senior officials, the redevelopment of the iconic BDD Chawls—one of Mumbai’s largest public housing projects—will now receive priority treatment in clearances, manpower allocation, and execution. The project aims to provide modern, dignified housing to thousands of low-income families currently residing in century-old tenements. The Chief Minister directed departments to ensure that the Naigaon section is completed by June 2029, Worli by May 2029, and N.M. Joshi Marg by June 2031. Alongside housing, the government reaffirmed deadlines for key metro corridors. Mumbai Metro Line 2B, connecting D.N. Nagar to Mandalay (Diamond Garden), is now scheduled for completion by March 2027, while the Swami Samarth Nagar–Vikhroli line has been given a December 2026 target. Land-related issues at Shyam Nagar station are to be resolved within 15 days, officials said, adding that such interventions are vital to meet the city’s growing transport demand.
The state also reviewed the Pune Metro Line 3 project from Mann–Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, now expected to be completed by March 2026. Other significant projects—including the Thane–Borivali double tunnel, Uttan–Virar Sea Link, and Orange Gate–Marine Drive urban tunnel—were evaluated for progress, with instructions issued to expedite inter-departmental coordination. In Thane, the Airoli–Katai Naka Freeway is projected to reduce travel time to just 20 minutes once completed. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been directed to release pending land acquisition payments to avoid further delays. Meanwhile, the 23.8 km Vadpe–Thane Road project, overseen by the Maharashtra State Road Development Authority (MSRDC), has reached 80% completion, with final delivery targeted for March 2026.
Urban development experts welcomed the prioritisation of integrated housing and transport infrastructure, calling it crucial to building inclusive and low-carbon urban systems. “Aligning housing redevelopment with transit accessibility supports both social equity and sustainable mobility,” an urban planner noted. While progress across multiple projects signals renewed focus, citizens await timely delivery and minimal disruption. The government’s challenge now lies in sustaining coordination, transparency, and green compliance across the state’s expanding urban infrastructure network.
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