Mumbai: Diva-Thane railway bridge work 50% complete

On Sunday, March 7, the first stretch of the massive Diva-Thane rail bridge was successfully pushed in place and with this, the project is halfway done.

According to reports, the next phase is scheduled for March 21. These developments are to bring about a sea-change in the rail traffic of Mumbai’s Central Railway which is touted to increase locals and completely segregate the outstation mail/express trains between Kalyan and Kurla. The fast local trains will then get a dedicated path. Moreover, new platforms have been built at Kalwa and Mumbra stations.

On the other hand, on Monday, March 8, the state government presented its second budget focusing heavily on infrastructure, farmers and health care. Finance Minister and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar presented the Budget, hailing the COVID-19 warriors for their service. In addition, the state government has announced several new airports and proposed several women-centric steps.

With regards to infrastructure and transport, the funds allocated have been mentioned down below:

• INR 1,000 crores allotted for Ghosikhurd dam and INR 624 crores allotted for strengthening 12 other dams.
• INR 1500 crores to MSEDCL for solar pump scheme.
• INR 9,773 crores allotted for Mumbai-Goa coastal road.
• INR 2,570 crores allocated for the state transport department.
• Electric vehicle charging stations on major highways (Mumbai -Pune, Mumbai-Goa, Mumbai-Nashik).
• INR 1,400 crores for bus stops and depot development along with modernisation.
• INR 8,420 crores allotted for the Urban development department.
• INR 1,40,814 crores allotted for 14 Mumbai metro lines spanning 337 kilometres.
• INR 400 crores for Balasaheb Thackeray memorial at Shivaji Park.
• INR 200 crores for Planning Bhavan in Mumbai.
• INR 101 crores for renovation and maintenance of heritage temples.