by datta Nighut 
Discover Mumbai’s stunning transformation from chaos to world-class in this captivating unveiling. Explore the Mumbai Makeover, innovative infrastructure, and vibrant changes redefining the city’s global stature.
From 1997 to 2014, Mumbai struggled with poor governance, often seen as corrupt and out of touch. The city faced serious problems like crumbling roads, limited public transport, and a growing slum population. Daily life for residents meant dealing with potholes, traffic jams, and overcrowded, poor-quality facilities. Despite its size and importance, Mumbai wasn’t developing in a way that met its people’s needs. One lifelong resident shared, “I grew up here and always saw the same problems—bad roads and no real solutions.” This feeling was common across the city, as each new government failed to address Mumbai’s core issues.
A New Vision Takes Shape
The tide began to turn in 2014 when a renewed focus on infrastructure and development breathed new life into Mumbai. Under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister, ambitious projects were launched to transform the city. From metro lines to coastal roads, Mumbai started to see real change. Here’s a look at the game-changing initiatives driving this makeover:
1. Mumbai Metro: A Game-Changer for Mobility
Mumbai’s metro system is one of the largest re-engineering projects in the city today. Before 2014, there was only a 9-km metro line connecting Versova to Ghatkopar. In 2023 there is now a 325-km metro system under construction not only in Mumbai but in the whole of whether the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) which includes Thane, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli. Half of this metro network has already been completed which reduced the travel time and congestion we are all used to.
For example, today for people travelling this route from Bandra to South Mumbai (the Nariman Point area), previously a 1.5 hour commute, can now be done in under 40-minutes with the metro and coastal route. By 2027, when the entire metro system network is expected to be commissioned, the mobility of Mumbai residents and visitors will change dramatically allowing you to travel from one end of the city to the other in under an hour.
2. Coastal Road: Redefining Connectivity
The Mumbai Coastal Road began in the time of the former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan; and like many such projects, had come to a halt pending environmental clearances. However, since 2014 things have been moving on the coastal road. The 10.5 km stretch from Bandra to Nariman Point is operational, the road will go from Versova to CST. It is clear form the data that the coastal road has reduced the time it takes to get around and late that it has taken appreciable pressure off Mumbai’s already congested main thoroughfares.
The coastal road is fortunate to be so great because it offers users a quick, smooth commute while also reducing the demand on Mumbai’s already taxed systems. It is a perfect example of how urban planning can change lives for the better.
3. CCTV Cameras: Boosting Safety and Security
Safety has been an issue in Mumbai for a while now, especially after the terrorist attacks of 2008. Many commitments were made to provide CCTV cameras for the city, but nothing happened for several years. With the installation of 7,000 CCTV cameras connected to police control rooms in 2016, Mumbai made substantial improvements to its safety and security. These cameras made Mumbai much safer, providing peace of mind for its residents.
4. Concrete Roads: A Fix for Potholes
Mumbai’s pothole-ridden roads have been a headache for years. In 2022, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) started a ₹6,000-crore project to make all city roads are concrete (CC roads) and to install utility ducts under every road to avoid utility agencies (gas, electricity and telecom) digging up roads repeatedly. It was one of the main reasons why roads were getting damaged. Even though the project is very disruptive while roads are being built, the rate of construction is fast, and the BMC is rolling this out quickly. All potholes should disappear by the year 2027, making much smoother, safer, and quicker drives. “The way we live in this city will change forever,” according to a local leader, and this is the positive vibe that is coming around this project.
5. Gokhale Bridge: A Tale of Challenges and Resilience
The Gokhale Bridge in Andheri is a stark reminder of Mumbai’s infrastructural challenges. In 2018, part of the bridge collapsed, exposing years of neglect. Despite repair attempts, progress was slow until a structural audit in 2022 revealed the bridge’s dangerous condition. Immediate action was taken, and the bridge was closed to prevent a catastrophe.
Work began in January 2023, and by February 2024, one arm of the bridge was opened to two-way traffic. The second arm is nearing completion, with inauguration expected soon. In just 26 months, the Gokhale Bridge project became one of the fastest-executed by the BMC, showcasing what’s possible with decisive action.
Addressing Mumbai’s Housing Crisis
Beyond mobility, housing remains a critical challenge. Over 50% of Mumbai’s population lives in slums, a problem exacerbated by the failure of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). Launched in 1995, the SRA aimed to provide 15 lakh housing units but has delivered only 2.5 lakh in 30 years. This has left millions in substandard living conditions.
In 2018, a new law under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana made most slum dwellers eligible for housing, removing barriers that previously stalled progress. The redevelopment of Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, is now underway, with surveys and planning in full swing. Inspired by Singapore’s low-cost rental housing model, Mumbai is exploring similar solutions to prevent new slums from forming.
The Role of Citizens and Local Leaders
Mumbai’s transformation is not only facilitated by government projects but also with the willingness and active involvement of citizens and local leaders. Elected representatives, including corporators and MLAs, perform a key role to address local issues like water supply, drainage, motoring encroachments etc., but only if they have the right skill sets and commitment to the work.
Advanced Locality Management (ALM) groups and resident associations play a critical role in bridging that gap between civil society and and the administration. They promote local causes such as fixing potholes on roads or cleaning up lakes like Powai, but they also face many struggles in achieving their local causes because bureaucratic time frames and/or lack of responsiveness continue to frustrate these issues at time.
Amit Satam, a three-term MLA and former corporator, believes there is power in citizens’ participation. “ALMs and resident groups are the eyes and ears of the city. When they work closely with elected representatives it is almost a magical outcome.”. He encourages residents to not only participate, but also hold their elected leaders accountable by voting for candidates who care about doing the work in their local areas, not just fealty to party affiliations.
Overcoming Challenges: The Road Ahead
Despite the progress, Mumbai’s transformation isn’t without hurdles. Construction disruptions, like diversions and poorly maintained roads, continue to test residents’ patience. The city’s administration must improve coordination to minimize these inconveniences. Additionally, breaking the nexus of builders, officials, and politicians is critical to ensuring transparent and efficient development.
Satam acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic: “With the right intent and integrity, a leader can achieve massive results in a short time. Mumbai’s last 10 years are proof of that.” He believes that by 2030, with the completion of the metro, coastal road, and concrete road projects, Mumbai will rival global cities in infrastructure and livability.
A Call to Action for Mumbaikars
Mumbai’s makeover is a collaborative effort. Citizens can work with ward representatives, engage in ALMs, and demand accountability. The BMC elections present an opportunity to support and choose leaders who have the city’s welfare in mind. As Satam says, “Do not vote for a party blindly. Interview the candidates for their manifesto, and hold them accountable.”
Mumbai’s water supply, electricity supply, and local trains are already world-class. Through ongoing projects and citizen engagement, Mumbai can be a leading urban city globally. The chaos of the past is transforming into a more efficient present and future, and Mumbaikars are headed there together.
Conclusion
Mumbai’s remarkable transformation from chaos to world-class city is a story of persistence, vision, and collaborative action. The metro, coastal road and concrete road projects are in the process of reshaping the city’s physical landscape; slum rehabilitation and CCTV measures are helping address deep-rooted and long-standing problems for Mumbai. There are certainly a number of challenges ahead but with inspiring leadership and citizen willingness to engage, Mumbai is on the path to be a world-class city. The next few years are crucial and every Mumbaikar, government or citizen, will have their own part and share of responsibility in this exciting journey.
