Is the Double-engine Government Transforming Mumbai with ₹7 Lakh Crore Investment?

Mumbai, June 20 (NationPress) Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday criticized the UPA government at both the Centre and in Maharashtra for its inaction and neglect regarding the rapid development of the state and Mumbai, citing a lack of vision.

He attributed the investment of Rs 7 lakh crore aimed at transforming Mumbai to the double-engine government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Fadnavis-Shinde administration, which has been pivotal in advancing the state's growth.

Shah also rebuked opponents who accuse the Centre of depriving the state of funds, asserting that Maharashtra received Rs 7,82,000 crore during 2014-2024 compared to a mere Rs 1,51,000 crore during the decade of UPA governance.

Additionally, he noted that the Centre has facilitated infrastructure and investment grants, actively courting investments in Maharashtra.

During his address at the centennial celebration of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Shah criticized the UPA government for leaving the development of Mumbai to chance, while the Modi-led Centre and the Fadnavis-Shinde government have reformed policies to fast-track development.

Shah hinted at the upcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections, emphasizing that the double-engine governance has the potential to elevate Mumbai's development.

“The double-engine government is investing Rs 1 lakh crore in enhancing a 337 km metro rail network in Mumbai. A range of infrastructure initiatives are underway, including the Rs 17,000 crore Atal Setu, Rs 13,000 crore Mumbai coastal road, and Rs 60,000 crore Samruddhi Marg. The construction of the Rs 1,08,000 crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train and Rs 80,000 crore Vadhvan port is also progressing,” said Shah.

He added that the government has earmarked Rs 23,000 crore for slum redevelopment while criticizing opponents for their focus on this issue.

The Union Minister highlighted Maharashtra's status as a growth leader in industrial development, attracting the highest foreign direct investment, accounting for 39 percent of the national share. He stated that the state leads with the highest number of startups, representing 25 percent of the national total.

“Maharashtra boasts a large economy and attracts substantial tourism. For the past 15 years, it has consistently ranked among the top three states for industrial output. Mumbai, as the headquarters for RBI and SEBI, remains the commercial capital. The ongoing investments in various projects aim to enhance infrastructure and tackle challenges such as population growth, traffic congestion, and slum conditions,” he stated.

Shah also noted Mumbai's distinction for having the highest number of women taxpayers filing income tax returns.

On a national level, he remarked that the Modi-led government has escalated annual infrastructure spending to Rs 10,95,000 crore over the last decade, compared to Rs 1,51,000 crore prior to 2014 under UPA governance. “India is now the fourth largest economy and is projected to become the third largest by 2027,” he concluded.