Maharashtra?s new housing policy will be introduced before the upcoming Assembly elections, said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Speaking at the launch of a coffee table book titled ?Nave Kshitij?, organised by Marathi daily Loksatta, Fadnavis highlighted that the state's slum redevelopment proposal, concerning land owned by the airport authority and railways, is in its final stages and is expected to receive clearance soon. If approved, the proposal could unlock 80 to 100 acres of land. While part of this land would remain under the control of the railway and airport authorities, a portion would be allocated to the state government for housing projects. Fadnavis emphasised that the new housing policy would address various aspects to improve quality of life, including comprehensive town planning, infrastructure, basic amenities, drinking water, and sewage disposal. He also noted that significant parcels of underutilised central government land have been encroached upon illegally, and slum redevelopment on these lands could free up space for both central and state use. Highlighting the challenges faced by Mumbai, Fadnavis remarked that the city was at risk of losing its prominence, with companies in the information technology sector favouring Bengaluru and Chennai. He credited the current government with revitalising Mumbai through major infrastructure projects, providing the city with a renewed sense of growth and opportunity. (IE)