Ajit Pawar wants Mumbai infra projects to be put on fast track

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has lamented at the slow pace and lack of vision of Mumbai's infrastructure development.

He termed as bad planning construction of skywalks, monorail and elevated metro which he feels will add to the traffic woes.

"The coastal road project will never get the environmental nod. Due to this, the work on Worli-Haji Ali sea link has virtually stopped since the company in charge of executing the project has said that alternate mode of transport like coastal road would jeopardise the sea link project," Pawar told reporters.

The NCP leader was of the view if there is unwillingness to take decisions because of fear of scrutiny by activists, a panel headed by Chief Secretary should be formed and given veto powers to decide on tendering and BOT projects so that infra projects are put on fast track.

Pawar also said criticism about delay in clearing pending files and failing to take quick decisions should not be construed as having personal agenda.

"I am pro-development and want all projects in the interest of the state to be put on fast track," he added.

He felt constant statements from Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan about portfolios like Home, Finance, Power being with the NCP, will not help.

"Chief MInister has all the powers. In the case of Shah Rukh Khan's film release running into trouble with the Shiv Sena, the then Chief MInister Ashok Chavan had taken all control of the Home department," Pawar recalled.