Mumbai to get Rs 1,200 cr central grant for drainage system

NEW DELHI: Mumbai will get Rs 1,200 crore grant from the Centre to overhaul its 150-year-old storm water drainage system that will help the country’s financial capital to withstand up to 100 mm rainfall per hour.

“The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval for the improvement of storm water drainage system (BRIMSTOWAD) at an estimated cost of Rs 1,200.53 crore,” urban development minister Jaipal Reddy said.

He said the grant follows PM’s assurance to the state government that the Centre would provide assistance to deal with floods. The minister admitted that storm water system in the city was more than 150 years old and was designed for rainfall of only 25 mm per hour.

The project is to be executed by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. However, any cost escalation will be borne by the Maharashtra government or the municipal corporation.