Mumbai's Infrastructure Boom: A Double-Edged Sword for Liveability
Mumbai's latest infrastructure projects
MumbaiInfrastructureLiveabilitySustainable GrowthPublic TransportReal EstateReal Estate PuneMay 26, 2024
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), now christened 'Atal Setu', is India's longest 22-km sea bridge, and dozens of glitzy flyovers are being built to ease traffic congestion. However, not everyone is convinced that these projects will improve the city's liveability.
Critics argue that the infrastructure boom is benefiting only the top 10% of car-using, wealthy citizens, while neglecting the needs of the average Mumbaikar. The city's living densities are increasing, open spaces are shrinking, and public transport is deteriorating.
A recent brainstorming session led by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, along with retired IAS officer R.C. Sinha and architect-activist P K Das, highlighted the need for sustainable growth. Gagrani predicted that the Coastal Road and MTHL would transform the real estate market over the next five to ten years, bringing equilibrium to both residential and commercial sectors. However, Das warned that Mumbai was hurtling towards disaster due to unbridled construction and high-density buildings, which have turned the city into a 'heat island'.
The failure to integrate the city's ecological infrastructure, including waterfronts, mangrove outcrops, and wetlands, into urban planning could lead to a bleak future and existential crisis for both the people and the city.
The debate also focused on the decline of the municipalized bus service run by the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST). Once the lifeline of Mumbai, the BEST provided efficient and cost-effective last-line connectivity to commuters. However, its fleet has been reduced from 5,000 to 3,000 buses, and its bus depots are being sold to builders.
Mumbai, often referred to as the financial capital of India, has been witnessing rapid growth and development over the years. The city's infrastructure has been struggling to keep pace with its growing population, leading to traffic congestion, pollution, and a declining quality of life.
The Adani Group is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Ahmedabad, India. The group has interests in real estate, energy, and infrastructure, among other sectors.
The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST) is a public transport agency that operates buses and provides electricity to the city of Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Coastal Road project?
The Coastal Road project is a Rs 13 000 crore project that connects the southern tip of the island city to midtown Worli and then to suburban Bandra via the sea-link
What is the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)?
The MTHL is India's longest 22-km sea bridge connecting Mumbai to its hinterland
What is the Dharavi slum project?
The Dharavi slum project is a redevelopment project awarded to the Adani Group aiming to transform the 640-acre slum sprawl into a high-rise commercial and residential hub
What is the impact of the infrastructure boom on Mumbai's liveability?
Critics argue that the infrastructure boom is benefiting only the wealthy neglecting the needs of the average Mumbaikar and leading to increased living densities shrinking open spaces and deteriorating public transport
What is the importance of sustainable growth in Mumbai's development?
Sustainable growth is crucial to ensure that Mumbai's development is environmentally friendly socially equitable and economically viable in the long run
Related News Articles
Colt DCS to Invest Rs 8,500 Cr in Navi Mumbai Hyperscale Data Centre
Fidelity-backed Colt DCS is planning to set up a large hyperscale data centre in Navi Mumbai with an investment of around Rs 8,500 crore, making it a hyperscale and enterprise solution data centre campus.
India's Real Estate Market Set to Soar to $10 Trillion by 2047
Indian real estate market to grow at 16% annually, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure overhaul, digital transformation, shifting demographics, sustainability, and diversified investments.
Rising Sun Holdings Spreads its Wings in Pune's Real Estate Market with a Whopping INR 395 Crore Office Acquisition
Rising Sun Holdings has made a significant foray into Pune's real estate sector with a massive INR 395 crore office acquisition. The company has also diversified into hospitality and other high-value real estate segments, reinforcing its role as a major p
Rise Infraventures Targets Rs 4000 Crore GTV for FY24-25, Expands with 5 New Offices
Rise Infraventures, a prominent player in the real estate market, is aiming for a Gross Transaction Value (GTV) of Rs 4000 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25. The company achieved a significant milestone in the previous fiscal year, FY2023-24, with gross sa
Land Dealer Murdered in Daylight Attack: Police Suspect Financial Dispute
A 38-year-old land dealer, Satish Sudam Thopte, was brutally murdered in broad daylight in the Kolhewadi area of Sinhagad Road. Police suspect the murder is linked to a financial dispute over an unpaid loan.
Rising Stars: Nagpur, Jaipur, and Lucknow Lead Real Estate Growth in India
These cities offer significant investment opportunities in the real estate sector, driven by robust infrastructure and demographic growth.