Pratap Padode: Maharashtra’s infrastructure plan seems to be rolling out project after project: the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Coastal Road, Shaktipeeth Expressway, Worli-Sewri Connector and Vadhavan Port. What is driving this momentum?Ashwini Bhide: Maharashtra has always been at the forefront of infrastructure development. Our vision is to be a $ 1 trillion economy by 2030 and $ 5 trillion by 2047. To achieve this, massive investments in infrastructure are essential. Being over 50 per cent urbanised, our cities must be future-ready. We are also addressing regional disparities, focusing on balanced development and preparing for the net-zero transition. Today, 96 projects across 17 sectors worth Rs 9 lakh crore are being monitored, with the Chief Minister personally reviewing 30 of them regularly.One of the most transformative projects is the Mumbai Metro. Where does it stand?The network will span 340 km, of which nearly 90 km are already operational and 150 km are under construction. Ridership has touched 10 lakh per day and is growing rapidly. In the next six to seven years, the entire network should be ready, adding capacity for 1 crore passengers daily, making it India’s second largest after Delhi. Line 3 has been the most challenging: a 30.5 km underground corridor through densely populated areas, with 56 km of tunnelling and 27 stations. Despite land, resettlement and legal challenges, the project is now close to commissioning.How did you manage the people-related challenges?Infrastructure projects are as much about people management as engineering. Transparency was key, especially for an underground line where nothing is visible. We regularly shared updates via social media, photos and videos. This helped citizens understand the work despite the inconveniences. Engineering challenges were enormous – any mistake could have jeopardised safety. We also had to keep cost and time overruns under control while managing protests and litigations. It was a constant balancing act, but engagement and persistence paid off.What kind of government support did you receive?The state government and political leadership were extremely supportive. The Prime Minister monitored the project through the PRAGATI portal, which eased coordination with central ministries. At the state level, the Chief Minister’s War Room resolved issues quickly, from land acquisition to clearances. In some cases, special provisions were invoked to fast-track approvals. Such strong political will was crucial.Looking ahead five years, how do you see Mumbai transforming?Mumbai will be completely transformed. A seamless metro network of 150 km will change the way the city travels. Coastal roads, tunnels and multimodal corridors will form a ring road, reducing through-traffic. Navi Mumbai airport will boost air capacity and Vadhavan Port will enhance trade. Planned land use and new hubs – from entertainment to MICE – will redefine the metropolitan region. Mumbai is truly on the cusp of becoming a world-class metropolis. Rapid fire with Ashwini Bhide One word for the Metro Line 3 journey: Rollercoaster Toughest challenge: Resettlement Most impressive technology: Tunnelling Most difficult stakeholder: Contractors Decision you are proud of: Sticking to the original car depot location Most inspiring metro globally: Tokyo Dream project for Maharashtra by 2040: Vadhavan Port.