PM assured support and assistance

PM assured support and assistance to state

A special meeting was held by the Hon. Prime Minister during his visit to Mumbai to discuss the issues pertaining to the development of Maharashtra with special focus on the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The meeting was attended by H.E. the Governor of Maharashtra, the Chief Minister, Shri Suresh Shetty, Minister of Protocol and Public Health and Shri  Naseem Khan, Minister of Textiles, along with the officials of the State Govt. and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Chief Minister gave an overview of the development of the State. The CM emphasized the need for special attention for public transport, housing and water supply in the Mumbai Metropolitan region (MMR). The CM urged the Prime Minister to consider introducing the concept of national projects, to take up projects which are beyond the capability of the State Govts. He cited the example of the Ghosikhurd irrigation project, which upon being declared as a national project, is entitled to receive 90% funding from the Govt. of India. He appealed to the PM to consider the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), Virar-Alibaug Multi-modal corridor (MMC), Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Pinjal- Damanganga river linking (to augment drinking water supply to Mumbai) as national projects.  He also emphasized the need for the special environmental regulation for the coastal freeway. 

Underscoring the importance of urban infrastructure in mega cities with population of over 10 million, the CM requested the Govt. of India to consider having a separate allocation for megacities under the next version of JNNURM. The CM urged the centre to announce a major national program for slum-free cities. There was also a discussion on master planning of Mumbai Port Trust lands which would mutually benefit the port and the city of Mumbai. Applauding the Central Govt. initiative of RAY, the CM requested to scale it up to ensure slum-free cities in the next five years. He also requested the central Government to make available GoI lands for implementation of RAY as well as infrastructure projects.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for improving rural connectivity in Maharashtra by giving a special dispensation under PMGSY for redevelopment of roads that were constructed under EGS forty years ago.

Highlighting the plight of onion, cotton and sugarcane farmers the CM appealed to the centre for a stable and predictable policy regime for import and export of agricultural commodities.

Recognizing the need for accelerated development and improved accessibility of tribal areas , particularly naxal affected districts like Gadchiroli, the CM stressed the need for a rail link between Wadasa- Desaiganj-Gadchiroli, cost of which should be shared in the ratio of 50: 25:25 between the Ministries of Home and Railways and the state Govt. It was further requested to expedite approval to Manmad-Indore and Gadchandur- Adilabad railway projects wherein state Govt. has already committed to bear 50% of the cost.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the special needs of the Mumbai metropolitan region as also the concerns of development in Maharashtra and gave personal assurance to support and provide assistance from the Govt. of India for the state.