Maharashtra Govt Unveils Multi-Sector Plan To Make Mumbai ‘Drug-Free And World-Class’

Last Updated:February 13, 2026, 11:25 IST

The plan also includes pollution control measures. Construction sites, both private and government, will have to use sprinklers and protective netting to reduce dust.

The Maharashtra government has announced a broad plan to improve living conditions in Mumbai, aiming to turn the city into what it described as a “drug-free and world-class" urban centre. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shared the roadmap after a meeting of the Mumbai City District Planning Committee on Wednesday.

The government said that the new approach will combine health, housing, civic works and enforcements measures at the same time. The coordinated action will bring quicker and more visible results for residents.

One major focus is tackling substance abuse. Every municipal hospital will open de-addiction, counselling and rehabilitation facilities under a city-wide anti-drug campaign. Authorities will also push stalled housing schemes and speed up cluster redevelopment, while continuing work on large affordable housing projects across Mumbai.

With monsoon approaching, civic agencies have been instructed to complete road repairs, desilting of drains and flood prevention work.

The Maharashtra Deputy CM said that the first phase of concrete roads has already been finished and the second phase is nearing completion, with the next phase to start soon.

Waterlogging points will get pumping systems, holding ponds will remain operational and damaged asphalt roads will be repaired.

Encroachments on footpaths will be cleared through a special drive to improve pedestrian safety. At the same time, authorities have been told to consider the livelihoods of those affected.

Traffic congestion near railway stations and markets will be addressed through coordination between multiple agencies. Mobile toilets and women-only “pink toilets" will be placed in crowded areas, and maintenance of public toilets will be tightened.

The plan also includes pollution control measures. Construction sites, both private and government, will have to use sprinklers and protective netting to reduce dust and improve air quality.

In healthcare, the government aims to widen coverage under the public health scheme to include expensive treatments such as angiography and stent procedures. Hospitals have been directed to ensure medicines are provided free to patients after inspections found some were still purchasing them outside facilities.

Police and district authorities have additionally been instructed to identify illegal foreign nationals and take legal action where required.

Shinde said the government wants to provide immediate relief while also planning long-term improvements so that the city becomes cleaner, safer and better prepared through coordinated efforts rather than isolated projects.

For Mumbaikars, the announcement raises cautious hope. Many of these promises have been made before, but citizens say the real test will be daily experience — cleaner streets, smoother travel, and reliable public services. If departments work together and deadlines are met, the impact could be visible quickly. Otherwise, it risks becoming another plan on paper. The government now faces the challenge of turning intent into visible change across neighbourhoods.

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