Mumbaiites hope for substantial gains after rail budget goodies
The city contributes a major chunk of revenues to the Central funds, and Mumbaiites are hoping they will get something substantial in return in today's budget.
The city contributes a major chunk of revenues to the Central funds, and Mumbaiites are hoping they will get something substantial in return in today's budget.
The wishlist includes:
A hike in allocation for flagship schemes like JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) dedicated for housing and infrastructure, finances for the storm water drain project, BRIMSTOWAD (Brihanmumbai Stormwater Disposal System) announcements regarding funding for the trans-harbour link impetus to low-cost housing, assistance in making Mumbai more secure.
Though there has been nothing much for Mumbai in the last two years' Union budgets, the mood was upbeat among state officials on Thursday.
"Wednesday's railway budget, which gave us a green signal for an elevated road, has made us hopeful. We are expecting announcements on the release of Central funding (that amounts to 20 per cent) for the Rs8,800 crore trans-harbour link project, which will connect Navi Mumbai and the new airport to mainland Mumbai,among others, " said TC Benjamin, additional chief secretary, urban development.
Apart from infrastructure, the real estate and housing sector in Mumbai has been crying for attention and most experts feel low-cost housing has become vital. "There is a pressing need to set aside a fund for affordable and low-cost housing and development of townships, and we hope this will happen," said minister of state for home Sachin Ahir.
After the July 13, 2011 blasts in Mumbai, the state has taken several efforts to beef up security and is expecting the Centre to pitch in as well.
"Since Mumbai is giving so much to the Centre, we hope that they give us a good percentage back so that we can expedite the housing, infrastructure and other pending projects," said Vinod Tawde, senior BJP leader and leader of the council.