Focus of budget on improving infrastructure: Commissioner

Mumbai, Feb 4: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner Jairaj Phatak, while presenting the civic budget for the year 2008-09 here today, said the emphasis of the budget is on improving the infrastructure in the city, improving the drainage system, constructing roads and bridges, and streamlining the traffic.

The budget has made provisions for Rs 271.70 crore towards maintenance of storm-water drains and Rs 1667.72 crore to carry out capital works as per the recommendations of the Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drain project (BRIMSTOWAD). The BMC proposes to lay cement concrete roads at a total cost of Rs 463.87 crore, while Rs 498.80 crore has been proposed for widening and improving the existing roads.

A provision of Rs 843.86 crore has been made for the Mumbai water supply project. As much as Rs 53.15 crore is proposed to be spent on improving the water pipelines in the city.

UNI