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
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