Mumbai, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved an extension of the toll concession for the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu for an additional year. This measure is designed to provide relief to vehicle owners, allowing the concessional toll of Rs 250 to remain in effect until December 31, 2026.

Previously, the Cabinet had decided on January 28, 2022, to keep the existing toll rate for the Atal Setu unchanged for a further year, which allowed the reduced toll to remain at Rs 250 until December 31, 2025.

The Atal Setu, previously referred to as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is a significant 21.8-km long sea bridge connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, effectively shortening travel time. After its inauguration on January 13, 2024, the Cabinet decided to implement a toll tax at a 50% concessional rate of the original amount proposed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), resulting in the current toll of Rs 250. The toll rate was initially set for review after one year, but with the latest Cabinet decision, the reduced toll will persist until the end of 2026.

Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the revised budget and government contribution for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project Phase-2 (MUTP-2). It also approved the waiver of charges related to land in Ulwe, allocated to the Tirupati Devasthanam for the Padmavati Devi Temple.

Moreover, the Cabinet greenlit the establishment of 1,901 posts for the Directorate of Finance and Statistics, renaming it to the Commissionerate of Finance and Statistics. The revised structure for officials and staff within various planning committees and programs was also approved.

The Cabinet authorized a direct funding system for 1,000 e-bus facilities for the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal under the PM–E-Drive initiative. Through the Payment Security Mechanism, the involved companies will receive the allocated funds via Direct Debit Mandate (DDM) from the accounts of Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

Approval was also granted for the construction of a multi-purpose, multi-modal hub and terminal market for farmers in Bapgaon (Tal. Bhiwandi) within Thane district for the purpose of vegetable exports. This initiative will allocate 7 hectares 96.80 R of land to the State Agricultural Marketing Corporation. Facilities for vapour heat treatment, plant irradiation, packing, and storage of fruits and vegetables will be established.

The Cabinet sanctioned Rs 4,775 crore for the Bembal River Project in Yavatmal district, which aims to bring 52,423 hectares across five talukas under irrigation. Rehabilitation issues concerning Mouja Dhamak in Amravati district are being addressed.

As per the government announcement, residences will be allocated to officers and employees of the Mumbai Police Force through the approval of the Mumbai Police Housing Township project, which will see the construction of 45,000 government residences for police personnel in Mumbai and its suburbs.

The establishment of the Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancements (MAHIMA) has been approved to facilitate overseas employment opportunities for the youth of the state. This agency will focus on efficient coordination and implementation to ensure that trained and skilled youth can find jobs globally.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved the allocation of land in Panvel (West) to the Annasaheb Patil Economically Backward Development Corporation, enabling the construction of a headquarters and a multi-purpose facility.