Mumbai’s power hub will get a makeover! From Manora to the Air India Building, development works have accelerated.

City News Mumbai Anant Nalavade

Mumbai. The public construction minister Shivendra Singhraje Bhosale gave instructions on Thursday to accelerate the modernization and redevelopment works of major government buildings in Maharashtra’s capital, Mumbai. While reviewing the reconstruction works of the new administrative building in the ministry premises, the Air India Building at Nariman Point, and the Manora MLA residence, he clarified that merely constructing buildings is not sufficient; ensuring their quality, safety, and completing the work within the stipulated time are equally important.

On the other hand, plans to widen roads, cement concrete, and undertake additional works related to drains and bridges in the Umrkhad-Mahagan Assembly constituency are also being accelerated. The aim of these projects is to modernize administrative facilities in Mumbai while improving traffic and mobility in rural areas. However, the real success of these development works will depend on how quickly the projects are completed and when citizens benefit from them.

### The New Administrative Building in the Ministry Premises Will Change the System

The new administrative building being constructed near the Garden Gate in the ministry premises is considered significant in terms of the state’s administrative infrastructure. The building will provide space for various government offices along with the Chief Minister’s Entrance Lobby, canteen, VIP rooms, reception hall, Chief Minister Assistance Fund room, and the Developed Maharashtra room. The structural construction of the building has reached a critical stage, and the exterior work is complete. Flooring work is also largely completed. However, partitioning, electrical arrangements, and other work on some floors are still ongoing. Minister Bhosale instructed that the number of workers and machinery be increased to accelerate the remaining works, including ACP cladding and spider glazing. He told officials to complete the work within the stipulated time while maintaining the quality of construction.

### What Impact Will It Have on Administrative Management?

The development of new facilities in the ministry premises could help make the functioning of government offices more organized. However, the extent of improvement in administrative efficiency will depend on the relocation of offices, utilization of available facilities, and actual changes in operations.

### The Government’s New Identity Will Be Visible on the Air India Building

Civil and electrical works for the renovation of the Air India Building, owned by the state government and located at Nariman Point, have received administrative approval. An estimated budget for the works has been prepared and submitted for technical approval. In addition, the process of appointing an architect and an electrical consultant has been reviewed. The old Air India logo on the building has been removed. The new logo design is being prepared through the Sir JJ Art Directorate. Minister Bhosale instructed officials not to allow unnecessary delays in the renovation process, to complete administrative formalities on time, and not to compromise on the quality of civil and electrical works. The renovation of this building, located in a major commercial area such as Nariman Point, is considered significant. However, information regarding the building’s final use, the total cost of the project, and the definitive completion date has not been provided in the related details.

### Review of the Construction of Both Towers of the Manora MLA Residence

Minister Shivendra Singhraje Bhosale also personally inspected the reconstruction work of the Manora MLA residence being built for legislators. During this, the quality of the flats, flooring, and progress of construction work were examined. The basic construction of Tower A is complete, and the slab work on most floors has also been finished. Similarly, the construction of Tower B has reached an important stage. Internal construction, flooring, plumbing, electrical arrangements, air conditioning, and fire safety works are ongoing in both towers. Necessary provisions have also been made to obtain green building certification for the project. The minister instructed that all work be completed in accordance with the specified standards, that the quality of internal facilities not be compromised, and that the remaining construction work be completed swiftly. The Manora project is not just about housing for legislators. This project, funded by public money, places special importance on safety, sustainable construction, environmentally friendly facilities, and discipline in expenditure. Therefore, transparently publishing information related to construction progress and final quality will also be important.

### Emphasis Also on Development of Rural Roads and Bridges

Along with the review of Mumbai's major projects, Minister Bhosale also discussed the plan for additional works related to roads and other basic facilities in rural areas.

These works include widening and upgrading of roads, cement concreting, construction of paved drains, building of bus stops and bus bays, and, as needed, reconstruction of small and large bridges and culverts.

Instructions were given to make the necessary changes in the scope of approved works and to plan for including the additional works under HAM‑3.

Improved road conditions in rural areas can benefit citizens, farmers, and local traders. However, while incorporating the additional works, it will be necessary to keep clear the availability of budget, technical approvals, tender process, and construction timelines.

### Timely Completion Is Also Essential Along With the Pace of Development Works

The redevelopment of administrative buildings and legislators' residences in Mumbai is linked to modernizing the state's government facilities. Meanwhile, the development of rural roads and bridges is being undertaken to improve local mobility.

Through the review of these projects, the Public Works Department is directing the concerned officials to accelerate the work. These actions can also convey a message of advancing the government's development plans.

However, development cannot be assessed solely on inspections and directives. The total cost of the projects, the stipulated timelines, actual construction progress, and the benefits to citizens will be the primary metrics of their success.

Minister Shivendra Singh Raj Bhosale instructed officials to promptly remove obstacles in construction work, maintain coordination among various departments, and conduct regular reviews of each stage. He emphasized completing all projects in a quality manner within the stipulated time.

### Officials Present at the Meeting

In the review meeting of the Air India Building and the new administrative building, the Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department, Milind Mhaisakar, Secretary (Road) Sharad Rajbhoj, Secretary (Construction) Abasaheb Nagrgoje, Mumbai’s Chief Engineer Pragya Walke, and other concerned officials were present.

Meanwhile, in the meeting concerning roads and other basic facilities in rural areas, the Chief Engineer of the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation, Ranjit Handhe, Chief Engineer Vishal Javanjal, Under Secretary Shailendra Borse, and other officials were present.