The Maharashtra Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, has introduced several key infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing economic growth. This year’s budget focuses on the expansion of highways, metro networks, and the development of new airports across the state.
Highway and Expressway Developments
One of the major highlights of the budget is the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Highway, a 760 km-long project with an estimated cost of ₹86,300 crore. Additionally, the Khapoli to Khandala Missing Link Project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is expected to be completed by August 2025. This will help in reducing travel time and fuel consumption while easing traffic congestion.
To facilitate smoother traffic in Mumbai and its suburbs, the budget has allocated ₹64,783 crore for major projects, including:
- Versova to Madh Creek Bridge
- Versova to Bhayander Coastal Road
- Mulund to Goregaon and Thane to Borivali Underground Road
- Orange Gate to Marine Drive Tunnel
The Thane-Mumbai-Navi Mumbai Elevated Corridor is also planned to provide seamless connectivity between Thane, Dombivli, Kalyan, and the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Metro Expansion Projects
The Maharashtra government is investing heavily in expanding metro rail connectivity. Some key projects include:
- Mumbai Metro Expansion: 41.2 km of metro lines will be added.
- Pune Metro Expansion: 23.2 km of new metro routes are set to begin operations.
- Nagpur Metro: The first phase (40 km) is complete, while the second phase (43.8 km) is progressing at an investment of ₹6,708 crore.
- Thane Circular Metro and Pune Metro Expansion: These projects have received central government approval.
- Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport Metro Line is in the pipeline to improve interconnectivity between key hubs.
Over the next five years, a total of 2,375 km of metro lines will be developed across the state.
New Airports and Aviation Upgrades
The state government has announced major developments in the aviation sector:
- Navi Mumbai International Airport: 85% of construction is complete, and domestic flight operations are set to begin in April 2025. The airport will handle 90 million passengers and 26 million tons of cargo annually.
- Nagpur’s Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport: Upgrading under a private partnership to enhance passenger and cargo capacity.
- Shirdi Airport: Approved for a ₹1,367 crore expansion, with night landing facilities being introduced soon.
- Amravati’s Belora Airport: Construction is completed, and passenger services will commence from March 31, 2025.
- Ratnagiri Airport: Development projects worth ₹147 crore are in progress.
- Gadchiroli and Akola Airports: Survey and planning activities are underway for their expansion.
Public Transport and Sustainable Mobility
To promote eco-friendly transport, the Maharashtra government is converting 6,000 diesel buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to CNG and LNG. New buses will also be procured with financial support from the government.
Budget Allocations for Key Sectors
For the fiscal year 2025-26, the government has made significant budget allocations:
- Public Works (Roads): ₹19,936 crore
- Transport Sector: ₹3,610 crore
- Urban Development: ₹10,629 crore
- Rural Development: ₹11,480 crore
- Environment and Climate Change: ₹245 crore
- Energy Sector: ₹21,534 crore
- Agriculture and AI-based Technologies: ₹351.42 crore allocated for smart farming initiatives.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra Budget 2025 is a forward-looking plan aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure, improving connectivity, and boosting economic development. With a strong focus on metro expansion, expressways, and airport modernization, the government is set to make Maharashtra a model state for transportation and urban development.
Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects!
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