Decisions for Mumbaikars Dedicated at Balasaheb’s Feet: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Nagpur, December 2025 : Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the Mahayuti government has taken several revolutionary decisions to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Housing for All” and to realise the dream of home ownership for ordinary Mumbaikars. By removing long-standing hurdles in Mumbai’s redevelopment process, the government has provided major relief to citizens. He said that, on the occasion of the birth centenary year of Hindutva icon Balasaheb Thackeray beginning January 23, these welfare schemes for Mumbaikars are being dedicated as a “floral offering” at Balasaheb’s feet.

Replying to the final-week debate in the Legislative Council, Shinde said Mumbai’s rapid development is driving Maharashtra’s “superfast” growth, while the Mahayuti government remains equally committed to bringing prosperity to Vidarbha.

He said the government has provided relief to nearly 20,000 buildings in Mumbai that lacked Occupation Certificates (OC), benefiting over 2.5 lakh families and more than 10 lakh citizens. In another major relief, CIDCO housing prices in Navi Mumbai have been reduced by 10 per cent.

Fulfilling the Dream of Homes for Mumbaikars

To make Mumbai slum-free, the government has decided to implement SRA cluster redevelopment on land parcels larger than 50 acres. The approval timeline for SRA projects has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days. Redevelopment work at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar has also begun.

For Mumbai’s Rapid Development

Outlining key initiatives, Shinde said residents of Sanjay Gandhi National Park will be given alternative housing within a 5-km radius. A housing scheme has been launched for the heirs of one lakh workers from closed textile mills. A new policy has been introduced to revive stalled redevelopment projects affected by funnel and defence zones.

He announced plans to develop a massive 300-acre Central Park at the Mahalakshmi Racecourse and coastal road site, and to create ‘Namo Gardens’ in every municipal corporation. The Mumbai High Court has approved the 26-km Versova–Bhayander coastal road. Pod taxi services will be introduced across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including BKC, along with an underground tunnel from Reclamation to the new airport via BKC. Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports will be connected by metro, easing traffic congestion and making the city more dynamic.

Transforming Vidarbha: Gadchiroli to Become India’s ‘Steel Hub’

Shinde said Vidarbha’s strengths include power generation, minerals, agriculture, forests, tourism, transport and logistics. He reiterated the government’s resolve to transform Gadchiroli into the country’s ‘steel hub’ and eliminate Left-wing extremism by March 2026. Of the investment MoUs signed at Davos, agreements worth Rs 5 lakh crore are exclusively for Vidarbha, generating large-scale employment.

Major industries, including the Jindal Group, are setting up operations in Gadchiroli. A world-class flying academy—second largest globally after China—will be established in Amravati in collaboration with Air India to train 25,000 pilots. The PM Mitra Park in Amravati will create two lakh jobs, while a mega textile cluster has been approved at Nandgaon Peth.

The Samruddhi Expressway is being extended to Bhandara, Gadchiroli and Gondia, with an industrial logistics hub planned along the route. The Wadsa–Desaiganj–Gadchiroli railway line will be extended to Surjagad, boosting connectivity.

To address irrigation backlog, Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated. The Wainganga–Nalganga river-linking project will bring irrigation to 10 lakh hectares in Vidarbha. Significant funds have also been sanctioned for the Gosikhurd project and restoration of Malgujari lakes.

Nagpur is being developed as an international business and financial centre, with a project spanning 1,710 acres in Hingna. Mahajyoti’s headquarters will shift to Nagpur, and a Skill Development University will be set up on 100 acres.

Shinde said Rs 15,000 crore has already been transferred to the accounts of over 91 lakh farmers affected by excessive rainfall, urging the opposition not to politicise farmers’ issues.

Several members participated in the debate, including Satej Patil, Anil Parab, Shashikant Shinde, Manisha Kayande, Dnyaneshwar Mhatre, Bhai Jagtap, Prasad Lad, Sachin Ahir, Dr Parinay Fuke, Rajesh Rathod, Chitra Wagh, Jayant Asgaonkar, Amit Gorkhe, Dr Pragya Satav, Amol Mitkari, Sunil Shinde, Sadabhau Khot, Sudhakar Adbale and Jagannath Abhyankar.