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Unveiling the manifesto, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI(A) alliance will leverage advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and Japanese urban solutions, to address long-standing civic issues and provide municipal services directly on citizens’ mobile phones.
Fadnavis said, “The city has seen 25 years of inefficiency in civic administration. We are looking for an opportunity to bring transparency and efficiency in the BMC.” He said that the goal of the alliance is to create a corruption-free municipal corporation.
Tech-led governance, boost to AI
The main focus of the manifesto is the use of AI to curb corruption, speed up approvals and improve service delivery. Initiatives like “Municipality on your mobile” and an AI-powered platform for faster tracking of construction permissions and increased transparency in the real estate sector have been proposed.
The alliance also promised to set up AI laboratories in all municipal schools to equip students with future-ready skills.
transportation, women safety
Public transport and women’s safety figure prominently in the document. Fadnavis said the BEST bus fleet will be expanded to around 5,000 to 10,000 buses with a gradual shift towards electric vehicles. Women passengers have also been promised 50 percent discount in fare.
To improve last-mile connectivity, the manifesto proposes to introduce “midi” and “mini” bus services around metro and suburban railway stations.
migrants, climate action
Fadnavis said, “We will free Mumbai from Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. With the help of IIT, an AI-based tool will be developed to identify Bangladeshi immigrants.”
He also announced that ₹17,000 crore has been earmarked for the Climate Action Plan, which will focus on developing a circular economy for the city.
Flood free Mumbai, housing and healthcare
The manifesto outlines a “Flood-free Mumbai” plan, promising to eliminate floods within five years by adopting Japanese technologies and collaborating with institutions like IITs and VJTI. Measures include the construction of four new underground flood water tanks, improvement of drainage lines and accelerating the Brimstowed 2 project.
On healthcare, Fadnavis said civil hospitals would be upgraded to AIIMS level facilities. A digital health card system will be launched to store the medical history of every Mumbaikar, allowing faster treatment.
Housing and redevelopment commitments include a “Turban-free Mumbai” initiative to resolve tenancy issues and issuing occupancy certificates for 20,000 stalled buildings, which will benefit lakhs of residents. The manifesto also proposes incentives for high-rise buildings adopting sustainable “Living Forest” practices.
Dharavi Redevelopment, Marathi Culture
Addressing the Dharavi redevelopment project, Fadnavis said an ecosystem will be created to upgrade micro businesses in the area, with provisions to include underserved residents as well.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking at the program, underlined the importance of preserving Marathi culture along with modernization. He announced plans to set up Marathi libraries, cultural centers and a “Mumbai Fellowship” program for Marathi youth, as well as a cultural department within the BMC to promote local art and heritage.
Shinde said the school’s curriculum will include the history of Mumbai and the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, replicate plans for the Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical University and outline redevelopment plans for ‘Koliwada’ and ‘Gowthan’ to protect the identity and livelihoods of the city’s original inhabitants.
