Reduce infra project timelines using tech: CM

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday, directed MMRDA officials to reduce the timeline for projects including flyovers by using technology to ensure seamless connectivity in the city.

Mr Fadnavis performed the bhoomi pujan for a rail over-bridge (ROB) at Kopri and an elevated road and tunnel connecting Thane-Belapur road and NH-4. He instructed MMRDA officials to complete the work within 12 months using technology. Two flyovers at Thane were inaugurated by Mr Fadnavis the same day.

“We have been giving timelines of 24 to 36 months for completing various projects. But with the latest technology in place, these timelines should be reduced. I believe that flyovers should be completed within 12 months,” said Mr Fadnavis at the public meeting at Airoli after the inauguration.

The chief minister inaugurated the Thane-Savita Chemicals flyover and Ghansoli-Talavli flyover, and a vehicular underpass at Mahape.

Further elaborating on the several infrastructure projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, he said, “We have undertaken works to the tune of '1.50 lakh crore, out of which, nearly '50,000 crore worth of projects are in Thane itself. We have planned construction of a 258 km metro network in the city and we have already started or are at the stage of beginning construction for at least 160 km.”

Meanwhile, he assured that the water transport i.e. Ro-Ro services that were supposed to start by May 15 would start by month-end. “To ease traffic movement in Thane city, we have planned to make use of Ro-Ro technology where container-traffic could be transported in huge ships. A feasibility study in this matter is underway,” he said.