Taller buildings near Metro need of the hour: Principal secy

Mumbai:permitting transit-oriented development such as taller buildings around Metro lines, ample parking space and prioritising pedestrianisation will help Mumbai deal with rapid urbanisation, said Ashish Kumar Singh, state principal secretary (transport and port). Singh was speaking at ‘Mumbai in 2050: Urbanisation solutions for current and future challenges’, an event organised by Confederation of India Industry (CII) on Wednesday.

The event projected Mumbai as the fourth largest metropolis in the world by 2030 and one of the 10 Indian cities that will attract global attention for its rapid urbanisation.

Other panellists included Vinod Rohira, managing director and CEO of Commercial Real Estate and REIT with K Raheja Corp, Jayant Kohale, business head at Smart Infra, Ashank Desai, chairperson of CII task force on entrepreneurship and startups, and Santosh Rai from Hindustan Construction Company.

Following their respective speeches, all the panellists agreed that pressing problems for the city were solid waste management, unregulated high cost of living, lack of parking space and depleting air quality index.

Singh said, “These issues can affect Mumbai’s ability to compete in the world economy, as it can make the city an undesired place to live in. We are working towards addressing these problems by buffing up our mass rapid transport system. The greatest risk for Mumbai is how to remain competitive.”

The panellists also focused on the need to equip the city with digital infrastructure, which will help citizens connect better.