Maharashtra, Canada to work on urban infrastructure, smart cities

MUMBAI: Maharashtra government today signed an agreement with Canada to implement a joint action plan on urban infrastructure development in the state.

The Canada-Maharashtra action plan seeks to introduce companies, solutions and financing from the North American country for urban development and implementation of state-led infrastructure projects.

The plan envisages supporting Indo-Canadian partnerships, including private sector companies, universities and colleges to speed up project implementation, promote economic development and contribute to rising standards of living in the state.

"We are implementing a joint action plan and target areas for collaboration include affordable housing, urban infrastructure including smart cities, project financing, training and skills development," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters here.

The action plan will allow world class, innovative Canadian companies to find new partners and projects, visiting Canadian Minister of Economic Development Navdeep Bains said.

A working group comprising officials from the Consulate General of Canada and Maharashtra's home, urban development, housing, labour, information and technology departments and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority will oversee implementation of the projects.