Major Capacity Upgrade Planned for Kolkata Metro Blue Line at Rs.671.7 Crore Outlay.
The Centre has approved rail infrastructure projects worth Rs.895.3 crore aimed at upgrading the North-South metro corridor and rebuilding a key ageing railway bridge, marking a significant boost for the state’s transport network.
Of the total allocation, Rs.671.7 crore has been earmarked for the modernisation of the Blue Line of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line, while Rs.223.5 crore will be used to reconstruct the railway bridge over the Damodar river under the South Eastern Railway network.
Officials said the Blue Line upgrade is expected to dramatically improve commuter experience, particularly by reducing waiting times. A Metro Railway official noted that once the project is completed, the corridor will be capable of operating at a 2.5-minute headway, significantly increasing train frequency from current levels. The line currently serves around six lakh passengers daily. The 41-year-old corridor, which runs through Kolkata, was originally designed for trains at five-minute intervals, but rising demand has pushed the system beyond its intended capacity. Officials said higher frequency operations are now essential to ease peak-hour congestion.
To enable faster and more frequent services, the upgrade will involve a comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure, including installation of traction substations at each station, replacement of the existing steel third rail with aluminium, and a transition from the current Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) to the more advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. The power system revamp includes seven new traction substations worth Rs.291 crore, upgrades to auxiliary and traction substations, and a shift in power supply from 11 kV to 33 kV across key sections. Strengthening works will also be carried out between Esplanade and New Garia, along with improvements on elevated stretches between Netaji and Kavi Subhas stations.
The CBTC system, which allows trains to operate as “moving blocks” by continuously communicating with track signals, is expected to enable even shorter headways of around 90 seconds in the future. Current operations are limited by older signalling systems and a maximum speed of 55 kmph, except on select stretches such as Noapara to Dakshineswar where trains can run up to 80 kmph.
The Blue Line also faced operational disruption in July 2025, when the Kavi Subhas terminal station was shut after cracks were detected in one of its platforms. Since then, services have been curtailed up to Shahid Khudiram, the second-last southern station, and reconstruction work on the terminal is expected to begin shortly. Officials added that the existing power infrastructure is nearing saturation and increasingly difficult to maintain due to spare parts shortages. The planned upgrades are expected to improve reliability, reduce disruptions, and support long-term capacity expansion on one of the city’s busiest metro corridors.
Hyderabad Metro Takeover: Telangana Govt Gets Rs.13,615 Crore Boost from IRFC.
The Indian Railway Finance Corporation has agreed to extend a Rs.13,615 crore loan to the Government of Telangana for the proposed takeover of the Hyderabad Metro Rail from L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad, marking a significant step toward bringing the urban transit network under state control.
According to official sources, the State Cabinet has been informed that the financing arrangement has been approved, with a repayment period of 20 years backed by a government guarantee. The loan is expected to facilitate the transition of ownership, although detailed legal and procedural frameworks for executing the takeover are yet to be finalized.
Officials indicated that work is now underway to complete the necessary formalities, including structuring the agreement and addressing operational aspects of the transfer. A formal announcement outlining the modalities of the takeover is expected in the near future.
The move is seen as a major policy decision aimed at strengthening public oversight of urban transport infrastructure in Hyderabad, where the metro rail system plays a critical role in daily commuting.
Major Development Boost for Telangana as Narendra Modi Lays Project Foundation Stones.
Narendra Modi recently virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around Rs.9,400 crore in Telangana.
Among the projects for which foundation stones were laid is the four-laning of National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad–Panaji Economic Corridor, along with development of the Zaheerabad Industrial Area in Sangareddy district.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated several key infrastructure projects, including sections of the Kazipet–Vijayawada railway multi-tracking project, a Greenfield POL (Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants) terminal in Hyderabad, the Kazipet rail under rail bypass, and the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park, also known as the PM MITRA Park.
The railway projects inaugurated include multiple sections of the 118-km Kazipet–Vijayawada multi-tracking project, covering the Warangal–Kazipet, Nekonda–Mahabubabad and Errupalem–Dornakal Junction stretches, aimed at improving capacity and connectivity on the busy corridor.
Located in Warangal, the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park has been developed at an estimated cost of around Rs.1,700 crore and spans 1,327 acres. It is India’s first fully functional PM MITRA Park and is designed to operationalise the Centre’s 5F vision — Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign — to strengthen the textile value chain and boost exports.
Narendra Modi said the textile park would accelerate India’s textile sector growth and generate large-scale employment opportunities, particularly for women. The project is expected to attract investments of over Rs.6,000 crore and create more than 24,400 jobs, with 62% of the land already allotted.
Metro 5A Approved at Rs.4,063 Crore, Opens Way for Sindhu Nagar Station in Ulhasnagar.
The long-pending demand for a Sindhu Nagar metro station is set to be realised under the Metro 5A corridor after the state government cleared Rs.4,063 crore for the project, BJP MLA Kumar Ailani said recently.
Speaking at a press conference, Ailani said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier assured during an election rally in Ulhasnagar that metro connectivity would be extended to the city and that one of the stations would be named Sindhu Nagar, reflecting the region’s cultural identity.
“This has been a long-standing demand of residents, and with the sanction of funds for the metro project, it now appears closer to reality,” he said. He also thanked Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and MP Shrikant Shinde for their support in advancing the project, which is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity.
Alongside the metro development, Ailani highlighted several other infrastructure initiatives in Ulhasnagar. He said a Rs.99 crore proposal for concretising key city roads is in its final stage of approval, while an additional Rs.120 crore proposal has been submitted to the state government. A Rs.220 crore project aimed at developing an independent water source is also underway, with efforts focused on ensuring round-the-clock water supply in the future.
On urban redevelopment, Ailani said regular review meetings are being held to speed up building regularisation processes. He added that issues related to the Assistant Director of Town Planning (ADTP) have been resolved, which is expected to accelerate the redevelopment of dilapidated structures and boost municipal revenue. He also said efforts are being made to resolve the city’s dumping ground issue and explore engineering options such as underground or double-decker metro alignments to minimise disruption.
Meanwhile, work on seven major roads being executed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is nearly 90% complete. Additional works, including dividers and paving blocks, will be taken up shortly. A separate Rs.65 crore allocation has also been sanctioned for internal roads and public toilets ahead of the monsoon, he added.
Narendra Modi Launched Rs.42,000 Crore Uttar Pradesh Infra Push, Flag Off Ganga Expressway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched and laid the foundation for infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs.42,000 crore, covering sectors such as transport, urban services, healthcare, and tourism.
A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the 594-km Ganga Expressway, one of India’s longest access-controlled highways. The project, valued at Rs.36,230 crore, is a six-lane greenfield corridor—expandable to eight lanes—linking Meerut to Prayagraj across 12 districts. It is expected to significantly cut travel time between the two cities from 10–12 hours to around six hours, improving logistics and regional connectivity.
The expressway also features a 3.5-km emergency landing strip in Shahjahanpur, adding a strategic defence component, and is expected to serve as an industrial backbone with more than 2,600 hectares earmarked for manufacturing and logistics hubs along its route. In Varanasi, the Prime Minister attended a Mahila Sammelan and inaugurated or laid the foundation stone for over 160 projects worth around Rs.6,350 crore. Completed projects valued at more than Rs.1,050 crore include road widening works, rail overbridges, and a 55 MLD sewage treatment plant.
He also launched rural drinking water initiatives under the Jal Jeevan Mission, along with urban development and community infrastructure projects such as a synthetic hockey turf, an old-age home, and a solar power facility.
Foundation stones were laid for projects worth approximately Rs.5,300 crore, including a 500-bed super-speciality hospital, water and sewerage schemes under AMRUT 2.0, tourism upgrades at key ghats, and administrative infrastructure.
Additionally, the Prime Minister flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains—connecting Banaras to Pune (Hadapsar) and Ayodhya to Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus)—to boost affordable long-distance travel. A major rail capacity expansion project between Varanasi and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, including a rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga, will also be launched to ease congestion and improve freight movement.
KRFB Plans Revamp of LMS-Vellayambalam Road.
To tackle chronic traffic congestion and improve road safety, the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the busy LMS-Vellayambalam corridor in Thiruvananthapuram.
The initiative aims to streamline vehicular movement at the heavily congested Vellayambalam Junction, where long queues and bottlenecks during peak hours have been a persistent challenge for commuters. Planned interventions include road widening, upgraded traffic signals and signage, and the deployment of additional personnel to manage traffic flow more efficiently.
To ensure a data-driven approach, KRFB has engaged the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac) to conduct a detailed traffic and safety study. The assessment, scheduled later this month, will examine traffic volume, pedestrian movement, signal efficiency, and accident patterns.
S Shaheem, principal scientist at Natpac, said, “Our team will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the LMS-Vellayambalam stretch. The report will identify critical pressure points and recommend practical engineering and traffic management solutions tailored to urban conditions.”
Vellayambalam Junction is one of the city’s most traffic-intensive intersections, with thousands of vehicles during peak hours. Previous measures, including advanced signal systems like vehicle-actuated Wi-TraC, have failed to fully alleviate congestion due to rising vehicle numbers and evolving traffic patterns.
KRFB officials emphasized that final plans will be developed only after incorporating Natpac’s recommendations into a detailed project report (DPR), which will outline technical specifications, cost estimates, and implementation strategies.
Asok Kumar M, CEO of KRFB, told TOI, “The initiative is still in its early stages. The way forward will depend entirely on the findings and recommendations in Natpac’s report. Once the DPR is prepared and approved, we expect to move into the implementation phase. Work could begin by September, if everything proceeds as planned.”
The LMS-Vellayambalam corridor is being treated as a pilot project. KRFB sources said that if the modifications successfully reduce congestion and improve safety, similar interventions may be implemented on other key city roads.
The stretch forms part of earlier city road improvement efforts, including the Thiruvananthapuram City Road Improvement Project (CRIP), which focused on widening and modernizing major urban corridors.
Govt Clears Rs.23,437 Crore Railway Expansion Project Across Six States.
The Union Cabinet recently approved three railway multi-tracking projects worth Rs.23,437 crore aimed at decongesting key routes and expanding network capacity, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.
The approved projects include the Nagda–Mathura line, the Guntakal–Wadi third and fourth line expansion, and the Burhwal–Sitapur third and fourth line expansion. Together, these projects will add approximately 901 kilometres to the Indian Railways network.
The government said the projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and are designed to improve multi-modal connectivity, streamline rail operations, and enhance service reliability across the network.
Spanning 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, the projects are expected to benefit around 4,161 villages with a combined population of nearly 83 lakh. They will also improve rail connectivity to key tourist destinations, including the Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ranthambore National Park, Keoladeo National Park, and Mathura.
According to the government, the capacity expansion will support the movement of essential commodities such as coal, cement, foodgrains, and steel, while enabling additional freight traffic of about 60 million tonnes per annum.
The ministry added that the enhanced rail infrastructure will help reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by an estimated 37 crore litres, and lower carbon emissions by around 185 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting nearly 7 crore trees.
Bhogapuram International Airport Project Near Completion, Promises Economic Boost for Villages.
The rural landscape around the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a visible economic transformation, with rising business activity, expanding employment opportunities and stronger real estate demand ahead of its expected inauguration in July. Villages across Bhogapuram mandal are seeing increased commercial momentum, with small businesses emerging rapidly and land prices climbing as hospitality companies, real estate developers and other commercial players look to secure land parcels near the airport site.
Local residents say the pace of construction and growing movement in the region has significantly boosted livelihoods. A truck driver from Rajapuvalasa village noted that economic activity has picked up over the past two years, adding that his earnings have nearly doubled in the last six months due to increased demand for transport and construction-related services. With infrastructure work progressing steadily, the airport project is emerging as a key driver of regional development, reshaping the rural economy in its surrounding areas.
ECR Widening: 85% Complete, Ready by Summer.
The long-pending six-lane widening of the 10.5-km stretch of the East Coast Road (ECR) between Thiruvanmiyur and Akkarai has reached 85 per cent completion, with officials stating that the remaining work is expected to be completed within two months.
According to the Tamil Nadu Highways Department, land acquisition is still pending in certain pockets between Kottivakkam and Akkarai, including areas near VGP, where around 30 houses are yet to be acquired. Officials said negotiations are underway with property owners to finalise compensation and complete the process soon.
“We have issued notices and the owners are being brought into discussions to get the land at an appropriate price. This will be done soon,” a highways official said.
While civil works have been largely completed in most sections, parts of the expanded carriageway remain underutilised due to issues such as illegal parking.
In some stretches, vehicles have been parked on the newly added sixth lane, reducing effective road width and impacting traffic flow. Attempts by the department to cordon off portions of the lane using bricks were met with resistance from residents and later withdrawn.
Motorists continue to face disruptions in areas such as Neelankarai, Injambakkam and Vettuvankeni, where incomplete stretches and uneven surfaces are causing congestion and forcing vehicles into narrower lanes.
Commuters have also raised concerns over recurring encroachments along the corridor. One regular user, K. Nanaveethan, said roadside vendors had reappeared in several stretches after being removed during construction. “After Thiruvanmiyur, we could spot several tiffin stalls and juice shops in the carriageway. Because of this, many vehicles are forced to carry on in the first and second lanes only,” he said, adding that congestion builds up heavily on the opposite side from Uthandi towards Adyar.
He also urged authorities to improve traffic management at Uthandi junction and avoid routing vehicles through a U-turn on Kalaignar Karunanidhi Salai, calling it a longer detour that worsens delays.
Meanwhile, officials said preparatory work has begun for a proposed Rs.2,100 crore elevated corridor along the same coastal stretch. Soil testing is underway at around 400 locations for the 13-km six-lane project between Thiruvanmiyur and Uthandi. The proposed toll corridor, to be managed by the state highways department, is expected to further augment capacity along the busy coastal route once completed.
PM Modi Inaugurates Rs.6,270 Crore Development Projects in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth Rs.6,270 crore during his visit to his parliamentary constituency Varanasirecently, marking a major infrastructure and public services push across the region.
Of the total outlay, projects worth Rs.1,053 crore will be inaugurated, while foundation stones will be laid for new works valued at Rs.5,217 crore, officials said.
Among the key inaugurations were the four-lane widening and strengthening of the Varanasi–Azamgarh Road from Kaali Mata Mandir to the Ring Road, along with 19 connecting rural roads and a railway overbridge (ROB) on Railway Link No. 23-A near Kazzakpura on the Varanasi city–Sarnath route.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated tourism and civic development projects, including the beautification of Sant Kabir Prakatya Sthal near Sarangnath Temple, renovation of Sant Ravidas Park in Nagwa, redevelopment of Chandrawati Ghat, and a synthetic hockey turf at the UP College ground.
Other projects included a 55 MLD sewage treatment plant at Bhagwanpur, a District Integrated Public Health Lab, 30 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, upgraded school infrastructure with smart classrooms, a 50-bed field hospital in CHC Cholapur, and a 100-bed old age home at Ramnagar built under CSR support. A 500-metric tonne godown at Harahua and Bhawanipur is also among the inaugurated facilities.
On the foundation stone-laying side, major upcoming projects include 71 village link roads, a 500-bed multi super-speciality hospital at SSPG, redevelopment of a 198-bed hospital, and a 100-bed critical care block. Additional infrastructure projects include mechanised parking at Assi Ghat, a new Nagar Nigam office building, Badagaon Women Police Outpost, Ramnagar Child Shelter Home and Juvenile Justice Board, and a CM Model School at Baradih in Sewapuri.
Officials said the projects span healthcare, education, transport, sanitation, tourism, and civic infrastructure, aimed at strengthening both urban and rural development across the region.
Ashram–Mukarba Corridor Selected for First Phase of Elevated Ring Road Plan.
The Delhi government has taken a key step toward addressing congestion on one of the capital’s most heavily used corridors by identifying a nearly 22-km stretch between Ashram and Mukarba Chowk as the most viable starting point for Phase I of the proposed 57.5-km elevated Ring Road project.
According to Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma, the detailed project report (DPR) has recommended this section as the priority phase due to its relatively obstruction-free alignment. Officials said the stretch has fewer encroachments and simpler engineering requirements, which could enable faster execution with reduced disruption compared to more densely built-up areas.
An official noted that the segment allows construction to proceed with “minimal disruption and faster timelines,” making it a practical starting point for the larger elevated corridor initiative.
The project, referred to by the PWD as the “Urban Ring Expressway,” will run above Mahatma Gandhi Marg—commonly known as the Inner Ring Road—forming a key elevated loop intended to streamline cross-city movement across Delhi. Authorities expect the corridor to significantly reduce travel time along major routes once completed.
The elevated Ring Road project has been divided into multiple phases, covering key junctions such as Majnu Ka Tila, Salimgarh Fort, Moti Bagh, Rajouri Garden and Azadpur. The Ashram–Mukarba Chowk section has itself been further split into three segments: Mukarba Chowk to Metcalf House, Majnu Ka Tila to Salimgarh Fort, and Salimgarh Fort to the DND Flyway.
Officials, however, acknowledged several challenges in implementation, including integration with existing infrastructure such as a grade separator and the Red Line near Kashmere Gate. Careful engineering will be required to ensure seamless connectivity without disrupting current transport systems.
Heritage conservation is another sensitive issue, as the alignment passes close to protected monuments, including Salimgarh Fort, which falls under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Authorities have assured that all construction will comply strictly with ASI guidelines to safeguard historical structures.
The corridor also traverses densely populated neighbourhoods such as South Extension, Punjabi Bagh, Lajpat Nagar and Ashram, raising concerns about traffic diversions and disruptions during construction. Financial viability remains a key consideration as well, with the project estimated to cost between Rs.5,500 crore and Rs.8,000 crore, according to senior officials.
The Inner Ring Road, which begins at Shalimar Bagh and extends to Azadpur, was originally developed in the mid-20th century to ease cross-city traffic. However, rapid urban expansion and rising vehicle density have turned it into one of Delhi’s most congested corridors.
Planned when the city’s population was under three million, the Ring Road now serves a metropolitan region of over 30 million residents. What was once designed as a bypass has effectively become a semi-central arterial route, lined with commercial and residential hubs.
Over time, key intersections such as AIIMS, Moolchand, Dhaula Kuan, Ashram and ITO have evolved into major bottlenecks, where multiple arterial roads converge. While flyovers and underpasses have been constructed at several points, officials note that these measures have often shifted congestion rather than eliminating it, underscoring the need for large-scale infrastructure intervention.
Construction of Dagadarthi Airport in Nellore Likely to Start Shortly.
Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh is set for a major infrastructure boost, with work on the long-awaited Dagadarthi international airport expected to begin soon. The project, proposed as the state’s eighth airport, is aimed at strengthening the region’s emergence as a multimodal logistics and industrial hub.
According to Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, the airport will come up on 1,332.8 acres and is envisioned as more than just an aviation facility. By integrating air connectivity with ports, highways and industrial zones, the project is expected to reduce logistics costs for exporters and manufacturers, while attracting fresh investments in industry, warehousing and allied sectors.
Planned in multiple phases, the airport’s first phase will have the capacity to handle 1.4 million passengers annually, with scalability up to 15 million passengers in the future. Provisions have also been made for a dedicated cargo facility to support the region’s growing industrial output and port-led trade.
The state government has already allocated Rs.54 crore earlier this year to expedite land acquisition and provide essential infrastructure such as electricity, water and telecom connectivity. Officials expect construction to begin between June and July.
Nellore District Collector Himanshu Shukla said that private players have been invited to submit proposals for the airport’s development, operation and maintenance, with the bidding deadline set for the end of this month. The selected developer is likely to be announced in May.
Meanwhile, the district administration is working on supporting infrastructure, including an alternative road to maintain connectivity for nearby villages and a culvert over a local channel, ensuring that existing water flows remain undisturbed. Officials expressed confidence that the project will meet its targeted timelines.
Rs.90,000 crore railway projects underway in Odisha
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently highlighted the rapid transformation of railway infrastructure in Odisha, stressing the Centre’s strong push to enhance connectivity and capacity across the state. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of India’s first advanced 3D glass semiconductor packaging unit in Bhubaneswar, he said railway projects worth over Rs.90,000 crore are currently under execution, marking an unprecedented expansion of the rail network.
Vaishnaw noted that the scale of investment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening both passenger and freight infrastructure. He added that the focus is on building a robust network capable of supporting economic growth while improving travel efficiency.
During his visit, the minister also inspected the ongoing redevelopment of Bhubaneswar Railway Station. He stressed the importance of timely completion and high-quality execution, stating that the upgraded station will offer enhanced passenger comfort with modern amenities. The redevelopment, he said, aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision of transforming stations into world-class infrastructure hubs.
Vaishnaw further revealed that Odisha has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs.10,928 crore, significantly higher than previous years, which is expected to accelerate project execution. He also said that 59 stations across the state are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to make them more passenger-friendly and equipped with improved facilities.ctivity, the minister stated that all 30 districts of Odisha are being brought under the rail network through planned interventions. He said the initiative aims to ensure inclusive development and better integration of remote and interior regions with the mainstream rail system.
Station upgrade at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station expected to boost northbound traffic.
Thiruvananthapuram North Railway Station (Kochuveli) is gearing up for a significant surge in passenger traffic as train operations are gradually being shifted from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, which is currently undergoing a Rs.439-crore redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
With renovation work progressing at the central station, railway authorities have begun upgrading facilities at Kochuveli to accommodate the expected increase in footfall.
Among the first additions planned are dormitory facilities, including separate halls for men and women with fixed beds operating round the clock at affordable tariffs. These are aimed primarily at families and solo travellers awaiting connecting trains.
Additional food courts are also being developed to replace the station’s limited canteen facilities, in anticipation of a higher volume of long-distance passengers.
Connectivity to Kochuveli has long been a concern, with passengers currently relying on infrequent bus services and a limited availability of taxis and autorickshaws, especially during late-night and early-morning hours. Railway officials said discussions are underway with Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to increase bus services and improve last-mile connectivity around the station.
Security arrangements are also being strengthened, with plans to deploy additional CCTV cameras and increase the presence of Railway Protection Force personnel ahead of the expected rise in crowd levels.
Despite the planned upgrades, passengers and rail activists have pointed to persistent challenges such as inadequate parking, congestion on approach roads, and insufficient waiting areas, which could strain the station’s capacity to handle traffic comparable to Thiruvananthapuram Central.
Railway sources said more train services are likely to be progressively diverted through Kochuveli as redevelopment work at the central station intensifies, potentially making it one of the busiest railway hubs in the state during the transition period. “Renovation and expansion are being carried out keeping passenger safety in mind,”.
Phase I of Dahisar river cleanup project inaugurated by Piyush Goyal.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently inaugurated Phase 1 of the Dahisar River Rejuvenation and Beautification Project in Mumbai, calling the sewage treatment plant (STP) model developed along the river a potential “role model” for the rest of the country.
Speaking at the inauguration in Dahisar, Goyal said river cleaning cannot be achieved by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation alone and stressed the importance of public participation. “The movement to clean the Dahisar river will succeed only when citizens stop throwing waste into the river,” he said.
He added that the project aligns with the Centre’s broader effort to rejuvenate 350 rivers across India, and said the Dahisar riverfront could eventually be developed into a tourism and recreation hub. He also called for desilting, deepening of the river channel and revival of natural water springs along the stretch.
According to civic officials, Phase 1 of the project includes two fully automated sewage treatment plants using membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology — a 1.5 MLD facility at Sukurwadi in Borivli East and a 5 MLD plant at Indiranagar in Dahisar West. The treated water will be reused for non-potable purposes such as road cleaning, gardening, construction activities and vehicle washing.
Officials said the project covers a 4.75-km stretch of the river and includes 4.4 km of sewer lines, interceptors to divert sewage flow, and the development of service roads along the river. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce untreated sewage discharge and improve environmental conditions in surrounding areas.
Goyal also said the project would help reduce flooding during the monsoon and urged local representatives to ensure regular garbage removal through civic systems. Deputy mayor Sanjay Ghadi appealed to citizens not to litter the river and called for strict action against repeat offenders. Local MLA Manisha Chaudhary said rehabilitation efforts for project-affected persons would be expedited, adding that 1,244 affected families would be provided housing under the project.
