PM asks Mah govt to speed up modernisation of Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 5 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked the Maharashtra Government to speed up the modernisation of the metropolis as better infrastructure will give a fresh thrust to the city's growth, creating jobs and incomes for its people.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the dedicated freight corridor and 12 additional services on the suburban railways, Dr Singh assured that through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the Centre will extend all possible support to the Bandra-Worli Sealink and the Trans-Harbour link projects which are slated to further boost the infrastructure in Mumbai.

''To reform its administration, Mumbai deserves the best urban infrastructure India can afford. Working with the state government, we have been taking a number of steps in this direction. We will provide the entire amount of Rs 1200 crore for the Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drainage project. Work on the Mumbai Metro has already begun and we will soon finalise the grant support needed'', he added.

Dr Singh said investments are also being made on sewage disposal and drainage of the Mithi River.

He said he had asked the state and central governments to sit together and evolve a programme for the welfare and rehabilitation of slum dwellers so that the public land can be freed for the developmental projects that will benefit all.

''Our effort will be to ensure that we have a Metropolis which is prosperous, which continuous to be a creator of wealth and jobs, a thriving commercial and industrial centre and also a global city and a pride of India and Maharashtra'', Dr Singh said.

Greeting the people of this megapolis on the festive season, Dr Singh said he has been a frequent visitor to Mumbai for the last two years. He also reiterated his commitment to make the city the most modern metropolis.

''There is enormous creative energy in Mumbai. In the recent past, when struck by natural calamities and terrorist attacks, Mumbai has shown its warm, caring , resilient and courageous side.

It is this combination of enterprise and creativity on one hand and a sense of camaraderie and fellow feeling on the other that makes Mumbai a truely great city'', he said.

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