Maharashtra is poised to contribute nearly $1.5 trillion to India’s $5 trillion economy ambition by 2027, provided global economic conditions remain stable, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said recently at iDAC Expo in Mumbai. Highlighting the state’s economic momentum, Shinde said Maharashtra continues to lead the country through strong investment inflows, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure development. He noted that projects such as the Mumbai Coastal Road, Atal Setu, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Samruddhi Mahamarg and the 350-km metro network in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are reinforcing the state’s position as a major investment and growth hub. Shinde also said investments worth Rs 2.96 trillion are expected in 2026, with the potential to generate nearly 300,000 jobs. Referring to agreements signed at global forums such as Davos, he added that Maharashtra has secured memoranda of understanding worth Rs 30 trillion, with a conversion rate of over 75 per cent. Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Housing, Mining, Cooperation and School Education, Government of Maharashtra, said housing must go beyond construction to provide dignity, security and opportunity. He added that redevelopment, policy reforms and collaboration with agencies such as MHADA are central to building inclusive, sustainable and future-ready cities. Sanjeev Jaiswal, IAS, Vice President and CEO, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, stressed the need for structural reforms to improve affordability. He said rationalising premiums, development charges and related costs, along with faster approvals, could significantly improve housing access in cities such as Mumbai. Dhaval Thakur, Co-founder, Nova Exhibitions & Conferences, said iDAC Expo was conceived as a collaborative platform for developers, architects and construction professionals to exchange ideas and shape the future built environment. He added that its association with the Housing Department and MHADA has strengthened engagement between policymakers and industry stakeholders. The event also featured views from Satish Kumar, CEO, Mumbai First; Amit Sinha, Managing Director and CEO, Mahindra Lifespaces; architect Hafeez Contractor; and Deben Moza, Senior Executive Director, Knight Frank, all of whom underlined the importance of partnerships, sustainability, policy reforms and infrastructure in shaping Mumbai’s next phase of urban growth. The three-day iDAC Expo is expected to attract 15,000–20,000 visitors and bring together over 150 experts, architects, developers and urban planners to discuss sustainable infrastructure, housing and the future of urban development in India.