How Devendra Fadnavis Turned Around Mumbai’s Infrastructure Growth With Japanese Funding

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has formally submitted his nomination for the upcoming state assembly elections. As Fadnavis gears up for the November polls, his past contributions to the state's economic and social growth are particularly noteworthy.

One of his major achievements has been the acceleration of several vital infrastructure projects in Mumbai. The current wave of extensive infrastructure upgrades across the city is not coincidental; rather, it is a product of strong political will and effective governance. These projects encompass roads, metro expansions, redevelopment initiatives, and more.

Photo Credit: PTI

For years, many of these projects faced lengthy delays and obstacles-bureaucratic, political, and otherwise-with some initiatives stalled for decades. These hold-ups consistently hampered Mumbai's growth and its provision of quality infrastructure for residents. During the MVA regime, several of these projects saw limited progress; however, Fadnavis's return has often heralded positive news for the state's infrastructure.

As both Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 and now as Deputy Chief Minister, Fadnavis has played a crucial role in reviving numerous stalled infrastructure projects. His leadership has launched transformative urban projects with the potential to reshape Mumbai's landscape.

War Room and Japanese Collaborations

To expedite key projects, Fadnavis established a 'war room' with a clear mandate-prioritise high-impact projects and ensure they do not stagnate due to departmental inefficiencies. The war room, launched in 2015, initially focused on ten major infrastructure projects, including the coastal road, Navi Mumbai airport, the second and third Mumbai Metro lines, and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL). Each project made notable strides under his tenure.

As Chief Minister, Fadnavis also fostered collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to secure funding for critical projects in Mumbai, reaffirming his dedication to their timely completion. JICA is renowned for providing financial and technical support for various global development initiatives, including transportation, industrial corridors, and water supply projects in India, promoting sustainable growth and enhancing living standards.

Fadnaviss administration also proposed a Japanese Industrial Park in Maharashtra to attract Japanese enterprises and technology. His visits to Japan proved pivotal in strengthening partnerships for the transportation, urban development, and healthcare sectors.

During every election, Fadnavis consistently garners strong public support due to his commitment to advancing the state's infrastructure.

Key Project: Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL)

The Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) is one of the flagship projects funded by JICA, which has contributed Rs 8,800 crore of the total Rs 17,843 crore. This project involves the construction of a 21.8-km elevated road, including a 16.11 km sea link connecting Sewri in South Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, making it India's longest sea bridge and the 12th longest globally.

Expected to cut travel time between Sewri and Chirle from 61 minutes to under 16, the MTHL will enhance connectivity between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airport, as well as improve access to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port. While the project had been proposed in 1963, it was repeatedly delayed, with tendering failures and political disagreements stalling progress for years. Finally, in 2015, the Fadnavis 'war room' revitalised the project by securing the necessary clearances and funding.

Other Infrastructure Projects Pushed Forward

Mumbai Metro Line 3

Fadnavis' also took on the challenges surrounding Mumbai Metro Line 3, which faced delays from 2013 to 2016, primarily due to land acquisition issues. Work on the contested depot at Aarey began in 2015 but was halted by the Supreme Court in October 2019. A shift in government under Uddhav Thackeray later moved the depot to Kanjurmarg, only for it to be reinstated at Aarey following a Supreme Court ruling in 2022.

With a planned route of 33.7 km, this metro line aims to improve connectivity between southern Mumbai and key business areas. JICA provided Rs 2,480 crore in funding, covering 80% of the project's Rs 28,000 crore total cost, with the remaining funding from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the state government.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, India's first high-speed rail corridor, covers 508 km and is supported by JICA, which is financing nearly Rs 88,000 crore of the total Rs 1,10,000 crore cost. Initial land acquisition in Maharashtra faced challenges, but Fadnavis expedited approvals and improved coordination, enabling the project to progress at a faster pace.

Versova-Virar Sea Link Project (VVSL)

During his visit to Japan, Fadnavis also secured support for the Versova-Virar Sea Link project (VVSL), a proposed 43-km elevated road expected to accommodate 60,000 vehicles per day and reduce congestion. This project, estimated to cost Rs 63,426 crore, includes connectors and suburban roads to improve connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The Way Forward

Beyond these landmark projects, over Rs 4,500 crore has been allocated for various water supply and sewage projects with JICA's assistance.

Mumbai, long deprived of essential infrastructure, is now entering a new era of growth and development, with Fadnavis's leadership at the forefront.

His consistent efforts have laid a strong foundation for Mumbai's future, driving it towards becoming a global metropolis with a robust infrastructure network and a flourishing economy.