As temperatures climb beyond life-threatening levels, and then some, Delhi’s citizens have been desperate for a spot of rainfall to ease the blistering situation. However, there’s no such thing as a free lunch — a painful pill that Delhiites recently had to swallow after severe destruction accompanied the answering of their rainy pleas. The country’s capital witnessed more than 220 mm of downpours in the past 24 hours, beating a 88-year-old record. This became a horrific ordeal that turned the city’s streets into rivers and severely damaged <keyword id="20248923" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airport-infrastructure" source="keywords">airport infrastructure</keyword>. According to reports, a portion of the roofing of <keyword id="20903969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="terminal-1" source="keywords">Terminal 1</keyword> of Delhi’s <keyword id="19948932" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indira-Gandhi-International-Airport" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indira Gandhi International Airport" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Indira Gandhi International Airport">Indira Gandhi International Airport</keyword> (IGI) collapsed on top of cars and people around 5:30 AM today. Despite prompt response from the fire department, the tragic incident has led to the unfortunate death of one person so far, with at least 8 injured. All flights from <keyword id="20881868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="terminal" source="keywords">Terminal</keyword> 1 have been suspended or cancelled until further notice, bringing great inconvenience to commuters hoping to catch a flight out of the region. <h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Best airport in India?</h2>As usual, politicians have begun to play the blame game over the state of infrastructure in the country. Considering that the 2009-built airport was <a href="https://aci.aero/2024/04/14/top-10-busiest-airports-in-the-world-shift-with-the-rise-of-international-air-travel-demand/">recently ranked as the tenth busiest airport </a>in the world with 72.3 million passengers in 2023, there is perhaps a point to be made that the high amount of traffic makes it hard to carry out on-site repairs. On the contrary however, it can be argued that the high volume necessitates prompt and regular upkeep to prevent the occurrence of such devastating incidents. In fact, there is something ironic about the fact that the <a href="https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-top-100-airports-2024/">Delhi airport was voted in as the best airport </a>in India and South Asia only a few months ago. As per Skytrax, which assigns these rankings based on the experience of travellers at over 500 international airports, Delhi ranked at number 36 on the 2024 list. Only four Indian airports have made it to the top 100 of the Skytrax list, with only two other Indian airports receiving awards. This includes the Hyderabad Airport (rank 61), which was voted in for the best airport staff in India and South Asia. <h2><keyword id="22214727" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bridge-collapses" source="keywords">Bridge collapses</keyword> and other roof leaks</h2>Bengaluru Airport, another awardee at rank 59 on the list, had recently faced a similar set of problems after heavy rainfall as well. After intense showers lashed Bengaluru in May earlier this year, rainwater leaked through the roof of Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport. The newly-built Terminal had commenced operations just four months prior. In fact, 2024 has seen quite a few shares of <keyword id="22214728" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="major-infrastructural-accidents" source="keywords">major infrastructural accidents</keyword> already. For instance, Bihar witnessed four bridge collapses within ten days this month, one of which was close to opening. In addition, many long cracks were discovered on the newly inaugurated Mumbai <keyword id="19997860" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trans-harbour-link" source="keywords">Trans Harbour Link</keyword> — the longest sea bridge in the country — just five months after inauguration.

Delhi airport's roof collapses months after ranking as India's best airport; 1 dead, several injured

<keyword id="19895282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai" source="keywords">Mumbai</keyword>, The travel time between Mumbai-Pune is expected to reduce by an hour with a new public bus service being launched via the Mumbai <keyword id="19997860" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trans-harbour-link" source="keywords">Trans Harbour Link</keyword> from Tuesday, officials said here. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will unveil a new state transport route of its prestigious Shivneri Volvo and e-Shivneri buses from the MTHL, or Atal Setu from February 20 on an experimental basis. The MSRTC will operate two new routes -- from Pune Station to <keyword id="19911435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mantralaya" source="keywords">Mantralaya</keyword> (<keyword id="20237574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nariman-point" source="keywords">Nariman Point</keyword>) at 6.30 a.m. and another from Swargate (Pune) to Dadar at 7 a.m., which will be run via the MTHL. The return journey will commence on the same route at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and there will be a saving of around one hour both ways, benefitting the people of the state capital and the state's cultural- academic and IT capital, around 155 kms away. The MSRTC Divisional Commissioner Kailash Patil informed that there will be no change in the ticket fares, and urged the people commuting between the two cities to take advantage of the new routes with advance bookings on its site or app. Presently, the ST buses take over five-six hours, depending on the traffic density en route in both directions to cover the distance between Mumbai-Pune. However, this is expected to be slashed to about four hours in each direction, through the new route on the MTH, India's longest sea bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> on January 12.

Mumbai-Pune to get 'closer' with transport services via new sea bridge

<ul><li>VBSL is a yet to inaugurated 17.17 km eight-lane bridge in Mumbai expected to reduce traffic congestion</li><li>The bridge is expected to cater to 60,000-70,000 vehicles per day once opened</li><li>The <keyword id="553754" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai-trans-harbour-link" source="Orion">Mumbai Trans Harbour Link</keyword> has also been renamed as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smruti Nhava Sheva Atal Set</li></ul> The Maharashtra government, as announced by its chief minister, <keyword id="193503" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eknath-shinde" source="Orion">Eknath Shinde</keyword>, a month back, has renamed the sea link which will connect the Versova in suburb <keyword id="5035" type="General" weightage="30" keywordseo="andheri" source="Orion">Andheri</keyword> to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link as the Veer Savaskar Setu. The Versova-Bandra Sea Link or VBSL is a yet to inaugurated 17.17 kilometres eight-lane bridge in Mumbai expected to reduce traffic congestion in the financial capital of the country. The bridge is expected to cater to 60,000-70,000 vehicles per day once opened. Along with this the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link has also been renamed as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smruti Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. Construction work on the project was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which caused delays due to labour shortages and other factors. According to reports in May this year, the construction cost of VBSL has shot up by 60% from Rs 6,993 crore in 2019. The Maharashtra chief minister had also announced last month that on the lines of the union government’s gallantry awards, his government will also set up Swatantryaveer Savarkar gallantry awards. <keyword id="165789" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vinayak-damodar-savarkar" source="Orion">Vinayak Damodar Savarkar</keyword> was born in 1883 and was a leading figure in the Hindu Mahasabha. (With input from agencies)

Mumbai's upcoming Versova-Bandra Sea Link to be named Veer Savarkar Setu

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/47827083.cms" />The <keyword id="68998" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="environment-ministry">Environment Ministry</keyword> has yet again refused forest clearance to Rs 11,000 crore worth <keyword id="553754" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mumbai-Trans-Harbour-Link">Mumbai Trans Harbour Link</keyword>. 
 
The six-lane Link road might help decongest Mumbai in a great way but the ministry is being cautious and has sought for commitments on flamingo protection in the area. 
 The forest clearance for the aforesaid project is pending since 2013 and has been discussed four times by the Centre's <keyword id="254340" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Forest-Advisory-Committee">Forest Advisory Committee</keyword>, but to no avail. 
 
Economic Times reported that around 47.41 hectares of forest land would have to be diverted for building Link road in Raigad and Thane district in Maharashtra. 
 
The Forest Advisory Committee has sought comments of the Maharashtra Government, asking it to get the proposed mitigation measures vetted by a credible external agency like the Wildlife Institute of India or the Bombay Natural History Society. 
 
Building of a Flamingo sanctuary has also been sought that will be spread across a 19-square kilometre area. 
 
"The project has been held up, mainly because it passes through a key conservation area for Flamingos. The state government has proposed a series of conservation measures and we are hopeful that the FAC will clear it next time. As far as the Forest Conservation Act is concerned, we do not see any impediments now, an official from the Maharashtra government's Forest Department, who did not wish to be identified, told ET. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

No respite for Mumbaikars; Environment Ministry denies forest clearance for the Rs 11,000 crore Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

The long-awaited <keyword id="11063161" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-taxi-services" source="Orion">water taxi services</keyword> linking <keyword id="6358070" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="mumbai" source="Orion">Mumbai</keyword>'s east coast with the mainland in Navi Mumbai and other locations -- the first of its kind in India -- was inaugurated on Thursday by Chief Minister <keyword id="53973" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uddhav-thackeray" source="Orion">Uddhav Thackeray</keyword> in the presence of <keyword id="13195284" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Shipping-Minister-Sarbananda-Sonowal" source="Orion">Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal</keyword>. While Thackeray inaugurated the new Belapur Jetty, Sonowal formally flagged off the water taxi services with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, Ports Minister Aslam Shaikh, MoS Ports Abdul Sattar, Mumbai Port Trust Chairman Rajiv Jalota, Maharashtra Maritime Board CEO <keyword id="719088" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amit-Saini" source="Orion">Amit Saini</keyword>, <keyword id="37647" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thane" source="Orion">Thane</keyword> Collector Rajesh Narvekar, local elected representatives and other dignitaries. Expressing gratitude to the Centre for prioritising the country's first water taxi here, Thackeray said that it will go a long way in improving connectivity with Mumbai along with the network of roads, flyovers, subways, the upcoming Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and other mega-infrastructure projects. "The country's first railway service was started by the British between Mumbai and Thane before it quickly spread all over India. The city always sets a trend that is emulated by the rest of the country, after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ruled over the seas," said Thackeray. The water taxi service will not only benefit the people in travelling quickly -- from the present 90-100 minutes by road to 40-45 minutes by the sea -- but also give a fillip to tourist places like Elephanta Island, Kanhoji Angre Isle and other places on the mainland in the Konkan, besides spurring the local economy as more routes will be added in the near future. It would also give an option to the commuters coming to Mumbai from different parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and help ease of commuting in and around the country's commercial capital, he said. Sonowal said that besides the water taxi and Belapur Jetty, the Centre is making efforts to develop various infrastructure projects in all coastal areas of the country under the Sagarmala Project. "We are making efforts to provide better services to the people in the coasts, accelerate the cycle of economic development, generate employment, ease congestion on roads, etc. We plan to have more jetties in the Mumbai harbour area and depending on the public response, another jetty will be constructed here," Sonowal said. The Union Minister said that under the Sagarmala initiative, 131 projects worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore are earmarked for Maharashtra with financial assistance of Rs 278 crore to 46 projects since the state has huge potential for urban water transportation in Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg coastal districts. As per the officials, the work on Belapur Jetty started in January 2019 and was completed in September 2021 at a cost of Rs 8.37 crore with state and Central funds. It has a huge parking area and presently three water taxi routes have been finalised linking the Domestic Cruise Terminal in south Mumbai with Belapur and JNPT on the mainland in Navi Mumbai, plus the Elephanta Caves. Four operators would run speed-boats as water taxis with a capacity of 10-30 passengers and catamarans that can ferry 56 passengers for mass transport, with provision for monthly passes for the regulars. Deputy CM Pawar, Shinde and Shaikh also spoke on the benefits and cost-effectiveness of water transport compared to other modes besides being eco-friendly and low on investments, considering Mumbai's strategic location vis-a-vis the mainland. One of the operators said that the water taxis shall be available for up to 330 days in a year -- barring the five-six weeks of the peak monsoon season -- to zip commuters to and fro the east coast of Mumbai and the mainland or the two isles. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/npci-to-deploy-upi-in-nepal-first-country-outside-india/articleshow/89641194.cms">NPCI to deploy UPI in Nepal, first country outside India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/social-e-commerce-platform-dealshare-raises-45-million-from-adia/articleshow/89641250.cms">Social e-commerce platform DealShare raises $45 million from ADIA</a>

India's first water taxi connecting Mumbai east coast with mainland sets sail

Mumbai, Feb 23 () The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Tuesday approved its Rs 12,969.35 crore budget for 2021-22. The budget, presented in the 150th meeting of the planning and executing authority for Mumbai Metropolitan Region, has made sizable provisions for metro projects, flyovers, Mumbai Tran-Harbour Link Project (MTHL), MUTP and MUIP, as well as metro staff housing. The budget has provided an amount of Rs 4,571.25 crore for Metro railway projects, including Rs 250 crore for Colaba- Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 corridor, Rs 700.65 crore for Dahisar to DN Nagar Metro-2A corridor and Rs 999.45 crore for Dahisar (East) to Andheri (East) Metro-7 corridor, the release said. It said commercial operations of Metro-2A and Metro-7 are likely to begin this year and, hence, the two lines have been provided an outlay of Rs 700.65 crore and Rs 999.45 crore respectively. The MMRDA release said Rs 329.30 crore has been earmarked for Metro Bhawan and Metro employees' housing, Rs 120.20 crore for the Mono railway project, Rs 2900.35 crore for Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project, Rs 60 crore for Bandra Kurla Complex, Rs 405 crore for Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) and Rs 776.85 crore for the extended Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (MUIP). "The authority also allocated Rs 100 crore for late Balasaheb Thackeray's memorial and Rs 260 crore for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's memorial," the MMRDA release said. In the meeting, the authority also approved extension of DN Nagar to Mankhurd 2-B metro corridor till Mandala, as well as an interchange for line 2B and Metro-7 corridor. In the budget for 2021-22, expenditure of Rs 12,969.35 crore is expected and an amount of Rs 9,833.75 crore is expected to be received, according to the release. The budget outlay for 2021-22 is 3270.20 crore as compared to the Rs 15819.45 crore for 2020-21, it added. KK BNM BNM

Mumbai: MMRDA approves Rs 12.96k cr budget for 2021-22

If things work as planned, <keyword id="6358070" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai">Mumbai</keyword> will have at least two operational metro lines in 2020 connecting the western suburbs of the city. The two corridors, Metro Line-2A (Dahisar-DN Nagar) and Metro Line-7 (Dahisar East-Andheri East), are proposed to be commissioned simultaneously in 2020, the <keyword id="64095" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbai-Metropolitan-Region-Development-Authority">Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority</keyword> (MMRDA) said in a statement. MMRDA has not yet received possession of land for a car depot for Metro Line-7 as the land parcel is currently with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
 MMRDA had proposed to give AAI another land in Gorai in lieu of their land. However, currently, this land has got a stay by the Bombay High Court as it had been earmarked for a law university.
 Meanwhile, MMRDA has also claimed that corridors, Line-2B (DN Nagar-Mandale), Line-4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavali) and Line-6 (Swami Samarth Nagar-Vikhroli), will be operational by 2021.
 The Supreme Court has restrained MMRDA from chopping trees for construction of the Metro Line-4 and asked to maintain status quo on felling of trees for the project. It had also sought replies from the MMRDA and the state.
 The ambitious Colaba-Bandra-Seepz Metro-3 corridor, being implemented by the <keyword id="117023" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbai-metro">Mumbai Metro</keyword> Rail Corporation (MMRC), has been facing several roadblocks and also missed its deadlines, which is now expected to be commissioned in 2021. After the change of dispensation in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered a stay on the construction of a metro car-shed for Metro Line-3 in <keyword id="6370614" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="aarey">Aarey</keyword> colony, touted as the city's green lungs. Protests by locals, NGOs and the chief minister's son who is now a Cabinet minister, Aditya Thackeray, led to Uddhav Thackeray making this announcement soon after taking charge.
 "Once completed, these five lines -- 2A, 7, 2B, 4 and 6 -- with an aggregate worth of Rs 44,869 crore are expected to serve more than 50 lakh commuters at around 98 stations across the city," the MMRDA said.
 These lines are expected to make a considerable commuter shift by 35 per cent, thus easing the gruelling grind that the suburban rail network is, it said.
 "We are overcoming the biggest challenge one might face, which was to do these development projects without having to completely stop the vehicular traffic even for 10 minutes. It will be an accomplishment to showcase to the entire world. Mumbaikars have shown great patience. Now, it is time to reap rewards," MMRDA Commissioner R A Rajeev said.
 Apart from these, Mumbai will also witness works on projects like Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) and the Virar-Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor having an aggregate cost of Rs 31,430 crore. 
 The ambitious Rs 17,843-crore MTHL project will be connecting Sewri with Nhava Sheva and help solve the traffic congestion in the island city by improving connectivity between Mumbai and <keyword id="57321" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Navi-Mumbai">Navi Mumbai</keyword>. "Besides these, there are several other bridges and connectors which will be beneficial to Mumbaikars. There are two flyovers, with an estimated cost of around Rs 163 crore and a road coming up to clear the BKC junction, among others proposed," MMRDA said. PSK HRS

In 2020, Mumbai's Western suburbs could have two operational metro lines

<ul><li>Uddhav Thackeray will take oath as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra with support from Sharad Pawar's NCP and the Indian National Congress.</li><li>The three parties differ in their ideologies and therefore have decided to arrive at a 'common minimum programme'.</li><li>Given the state's rural distress, financial aid for farmers cannot be ruled out.</li></ul>A month long political drama has come to an end paving the way for Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray to take oath as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This is a historic moment for the Thackeray family, which has been politically significant in the state for decades but never had a member on the hot seat. Thackeray has got to this point with support from Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party and the Indian National Congress. All three parties differ in their ideologies and therefore have decided to arrive at a 'common minimum programme' in a bid to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party out of power. Given the state's rural distress, financial aid for farmers cannot be ruled out. "There has been significant political discourse around farm stress in last few weeks. Farm loan waiver can potentially could be the first order of the business of the new government," a Macquarie research report said. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 <div type="image" title="Nagpur: NCP President Sharad Pawar interacts with farmers during a visit to Khap..." msid="72272944" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;NCP President Sharad Pawar interacts with farmers during a visit to Khapa village to inspect damaged crops, in Nagpur district of Maharashtra.Photo) (&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>





























 This has implication for the state's financial health. An estimated ₹50,000 crore farm loan waiver, spread over 2 years, will push the state's fiscal deficit beyond 3%. Fiscal deficit is the amount of money a government spends over and above its earnings and it's advised by law that any government (state or central) should keep the excess spending to less than 3% over its earnings. Maharashtra's budget deficit is already at a four-year high, which means the government has been spending a lot more than it earns. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[
<div class="flourish-embed" data-src="visualisation/1006753"></div><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script>
]]></cdata></div>































































 While the farm crisis in the state does warrant immediate attention, a farm loan will increase the deficit and reduce the money available for growth projects like building infrastructure. In the last three years, Mumbai has seen an explosion of infrastructure projects which are in various stages of completion. Roads have been dug up across the city causing traffic snarls but people have been hopeful that the temporary pain will make way for easier commute in the future. For instance, 274 kilometres (km) of metro-rail network is under construction. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 <div type="image" title="Mumbai: A view of a construction site of a metro train parking shed at Aarey Col..." msid="72272112" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A view of a construction site of a metro train parking shed at Aarey Colony, Mumbai. The Supreme Court on Monday restrained authorities from cutting any more trees in Mumbai&amp;#39;s Aarey colony for a Metro car shed before further hearing on Oct. 21.Photo)(&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>























































 In the particular case of the metro rail shed construction in the Aarey colony (a rare green cover in the mega city), the incoming coalition will be tested on its will to reverse the decision. The previous government had bulldozed opposition from the citizens to the cutting of about 2,0000 trees for the construction of the shed, while all opposition parties paid nothing more than lip-service to the cause. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 <div type="image" title="Mumbai: Residents protest against the cutting of trees in Aarey forest to make t..." msid="72273060" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Residents protest against the cutting of trees in Aarey forest to make the car shed for Metro project, in Mumbai.Photo/Shashank Parade)(&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>



























 Aside from the metro rail construction in the capital city, there are also other marquee projects like the upcoming airport in Navi Mumbai, the high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Nagpur as well as Mumbai and Ahmedabad (in the neighbouring state of Gujarat) that will be in focus. As rivals of BJP, the parties in the incoming coalition have time and again criticised these ambitious projects heralded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the top NCP leadership, the three parties have decided that the money which is to be given by the state government for the Bullet Train will be diverted to the farmer welfare scheme as it is part of the common minimum programme they have agreed on, the IANS reported on Tuesday. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 <div type="image" title="Bullet train" msid="72272606" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The upcoming airport in Navi Mumbai, the high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Nagpur as well as Mumbai and Ahmedabad (in the neighbouring state of Gujarat) will be in focus as rivals of BJP, the parties in the incoming coalition, have time and again criticised these ambitious projects heralded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>







































 The good news is that the Navi Mumbai airport and the Trans-harbour sea link may not get stalled, according to Macquarie, but the pace of approvals may slowdown delaying the projects. The international financial services firm believes that the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine will be more favourable to the builders in the state and that will be music to the ears for the state's real estate sector that has been in shambles for a while now. It is important that Maharashtra's economy keeps moving at a fast pace because it is the largest contributor to India's GDP (gross domestic product). And already, Maharashtra's contribution to India's GDP is at a multi-year low at 14%. That's a significant setback for the state that is home to the country's financial capital. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[
<div class="flourish-embed" data-src="visualisation/1006973"></div><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script>
]]></cdata></div>

































 SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/article/maharashtra-state-assembly-elections-2019-debate-veer-savarkar-or-jobs/articleshow/71644079.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">These are the issues the opposition could have capitalised on but didn’t</a>

Here's what to expect from the new government in Maharashtra

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/45112611.cms" />

	 With the <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> taking charge in Maharashtra and Haryana, the real estate industry is expecting revival of the realty market in these states. According to industry players, the revival in the markets will be driven by a rise in the investment inflow in real estate projects through public private partnership (PPP) model. 
	 “Mumbai and <keyword id="6361586" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gurgaon">Gurgaon</keyword> have the lion’s share of the pie when it comes to the Indian realty market, and both these cities have been witnessing tremendous growth in absorption of commercial spaces over the past couple of years. With the burgeoning growth in population and migration of people from smaller cities to these areas, there is huge requirement of residential spaces as well,” said Santhosh Kumar, CEO of operations and international director of Jones Lang LaSalle India. 
	 
	He further added that with BJP at the centre focusing on developing the infrastructure in the country, both Maharashtra and Haryana can expect the maximum infrastructural growth as the states will now be governed by BJP at the state level as well. 
	 “The ensuing boost to growth will not be limited to just <keyword id="6358070" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbai">Mumbai</keyword> and Gurgaon. Given the limited land available for development in the two cities and factoring in the BJP's strong focus on faster and more holistic growth, there is now added impetus for development in their peripheral areas on the charts, as well. Infrastructure such as highways and MRTS projects which will connect these areas to their parent cities will automatically boost their real estate markets,” noted Kumar. 
	 
	Currently, both the states collectively comprise of nearly 35% of the total real estate market in the country. At present, there are three major PPP Infrastructure PPP projects in pipeline in Mumbai, which includes the Navi Mumbai International Airport at Panvel, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link that has been delayed since 2004 and the expansion of Mumbai Metro.

Realty
Players Expect BJP Govt To Boost Property Market In Mumbai & Gurgaon

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/44898317.cms" /> Home-buying, like any other major decision, requires a lot of research and consideration. It’s not just the flat itself that matters, but also the building facilities and the neighbourhood, among others. So, when you buy a home, knowing that it is a long-term <keyword id="6355120" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="investment">investment</keyword> not a one-time purchase, the financial aspects are more complex than you might realize at first. Here are a few points to consider: 
 
· A square foot is not always a square foot. The term ‘Built up Area’ is used for the entire floor area, including the walls, whereas ‘Carpet Area’ is the usable area. Generally property dealers quote for built up area – so be sure that you are getting enough space where your furniture will all fit! 
· Want to work out? A broker might tell you that the building comes with a pool or a gym, but forgets to mention that access comes for a price: some societies in Mumbai will charge as much as 15,000/month for access to their recreational facilities. Not economical right? These facilities may play a large role in your choice; factor them into your long-term budget, as well. 
· Valet, please! Many Delhi bungalows come with parking; in Mumbai, however, parking is far more restricted. If you have a car – or more than one – be sure that, if your flat doesn’t come with a parking space, there’s ample street parking. Else the cost of parking will add up surprisingly quickly. 
· The new neighbours. In both cities, each neighbourhood has its own character. Hauz Khas in Delhi is, like Bandra West in Mumbai, the trendy area of bars and restaurants; for those working with major multinationals, Gurgaon in Delhi NCR or Powai and Bandra Kurla in Mumbai – all of which were built up independently of the major metro itself – are likely to be more convenient. Similarly, these satellite cities and planned developments generally have better infrastructure, facilities, and security. 
· <keyword id="35507" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="property-prices">Property prices</keyword>. It’s not just about how much the property is worth, but how much it will be worth. As the metros expand outward, suburbs that were once isolated are now seeing surges in property prices. Lower Parel, Mumbai’s new financial district, saw 17% growth in the first quarter of FY14 alone. It’s also where a large number of the city’s new developments are coming up; returns on a purchase of property in this or similar areas are likely to be enormous. 
· Metro in the metropolitan areas. The Delhi metro is definitely more modern than Mumbai’s (very prompt) local trains – but, with the launch of the new Mumbai metro, all that should change. Greater accessibility to the city centres means that property values – and potential returns on investment – in suburbs and satellite cities are expected to soar. The price growth in Navi Mumbai in 1Q14, for example, was an astounding 21%; the projected impacts of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link are major catalysts. 
· Trust, but verify. Not all properties are what the broker promised. When buying an existing property, check it out thoroughly. Consider getting it independently appraised. If you’re looking to purchase a property still under development, do due diligence on the builder. Price appraisals are important, but so are construction standards and schedules – you don’t want to be waiting until 2020 to move into a flat that you purchased in 2014. 
 
The to-do list for buying a new home is longer than signing a contract, handing over money and packing up your belongings. In the major metro areas, where each neighborhood becomes a city within a city, the complications are even greater. 
 To sum up, basically when you decide to buy your own home there are a lot of emotions that go into the decision. For most people it’s a sense of pride and ownership; for many people their first property will be their last property. So, whatever you do or decide, you definitely need to consider and study the details of the above points in order to make your <keyword id="393457" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Home-buying">home buying</keyword> experience as smooth as possible. 
 
Author: Advitiya Sharma, Co-Founder &amp; Marketing Head of Housing.com

You Searched For "trans harbour link" and got 10 results

Delhi airport's roof collapses months after ranking as India's best airport; 1 dead, several injured

Ankush Banerjee

Mumbai-Pune to get 'closer' with transport services via new sea bridge

IANS

Mumbai's upcoming Versova-Bandra Sea Link to be named Veer Savarkar Setu

BI India Bureau

No respite for Mumbaikars; Environment Ministry denies forest clearance for the Rs 11,000 crore Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

BI India Bureau

India's first water taxi connecting Mumbai east coast with mainland sets sail

IANS

Mumbai: MMRDA approves Rs 12.96k cr budget for 2021-22

PTI

In 2020, Mumbai's Western suburbs could have two operational metro lines

PTI

Here's what to expect from the new government in Maharashtra

Sriram Iyer

Realty Players Expect BJP Govt To Boost Property Market In Mumbai & Gurgaon

Purba Das

Buying A New House? Keep These Points In Mind

Guest Author