With elections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), scheduled for January 15, Shinde stated that the government has taken significant steps to resolve Mumbai’s persistent infrastructure challenges since he took office. Votes will be counted the following day.
Shinde noted that the concretisation of roads throughout Mumbai is currently in progress, aiming to transform road conditions in the city fundamentally. “Once the concretisation work is completed, there won’t be any potholes for 25 years. Achieving a pothole-free Mumbai is our goal,” he mentioned, adding that much of the work should be noticeable by mid-2026.
In response to criticism regarding unmet earlier deadlines, Shinde assured that the government remains dedicated to fulfilling its promises. “By the end of May 2026, you will observe that a significant portion of this concretisation work will be finished. By the end of December, all work will be completed. Therefore, by the end of 2026, you will not encounter a pothole in Mumbai—that is my commitment,” he stated.
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The Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged the disruption caused by extensive road excavations and closures resulting from various infrastructure projects, including metro development and other urban initiatives. He stated that residents and businesses would soon see relief as these projects approach completion. “In about a year, most of the infrastructure work in Mumbai will be close to completion. Once the concretisation efforts are finalized, there will be no issues because road digging will cease entirely,” Shinde remarked.
On the political front, Shinde aimed to alleviate concerns over seat-sharing dynamics within the ruling Mahayuti alliance regarding the BMC elections, particularly noting Ajit Pawar’s faction’s decision to run separately in Mumbai. He asserted that the local body elections would not disrupt the stability of the state government. “This is a local body election. In certain areas, we are united; in others, we are separate. Friendly contests have occurred previously as well, and this will not influence the stability of the state government,” he explained.
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Watch the accompanying video for the complete conversation.
