There has been a lot been said and written on how Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is reviewing all the big-ticket projects by Devendra Fadnavis government. There were also reports suggesting that the Bullet train project has been put on hold. However, clearing the air in regards to all this, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray said, “There has been no order issued to halt any ongoing infrastructure project. Since the state government is reviewing the situation, no decision has been taken regarding the bullet train project as well”.
Uddhav Thackeray held a marathon meeting of State officials in Mumbai to review all the ongoing projects, which included Mumbai Metro, Mumbai-Nagpur expressway project, Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train and other projects. Minister Eknath Shinde said that the new government wants to understand the utility of projects and hence review meetings are being conducted. Another Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that projects like bullet train are ‘white elephant’ and burden on the State.
He added, "The only stay order issued is for construction of car shed on Aarey land in Mumbai for Metro-3 line”.
The total costs of these projects that were being said are under review are pegged at Rs 2 lakh crore. There were also questions being raised that the stay on these projects might have a negative impact on the already faltering Indian economy's growth. Kirit Somaiya, Vice President, Maharashtra BJP, raised this issue On Wednesday and even questioned the intention of Maha Vikas Aghadi government. He took to Twitter to share, “What is the intention of New Maharashtra Govt to stay all infrastructure projects of more than Rs 2 lacs crores?? Sending Signal to Contractors?? Who will be responsible for delay & cost escalation???".
The car shed at Aarey for the Metro 3 project however continues to be the one that is under review. Over 2,000 trees were cut in the Aarey area to make way for the car shed. There were protests by green activists against the cutting of these trees.
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