Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced that the state government will soon strengthen its Information Technology (IT) department to improve the delivery of public services, news agency PTI reported.
While chairing a high-level meeting with senior officials, Fadnavis emphasised that IT plays a critical role in enabling efficient governance through the General Administration Department. “Empowering the IT department is key to realising the vision of a Digital Maharashtra,” he said.
The CM stressed the government’s focus on expanding digital access to services and increasing the use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and cybersecurity tools.
He also revealed plans to establish a dedicated institution for geospatial technology, which will support improved planning and data-driven decision-making across departments.
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis announces pod taxi plan to ease traffic congestion in Mumbai
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced that pod taxi services will soon be introduced in Mumbai to improve last-mile connectivity and reduce the burden on the city`s existing public transport infrastructure, news agency PTI reported.
During a high-level meeting on the project, the CM highlighted that the service would play a vital role in easing congestion in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) corridor, which is expected to witness a sharp rise in commuter traffic with the development of a bullet train terminal and the new Mumbai High Court building in the vicinity.
Fadnavis emphasised the need to integrate pod taxis with Mumbai’s upcoming unified smart card system for seamless travel across all transport modes. He also directed officials to develop the Kurla and Bandra station areas in tandem with the project and to ensure direct connectivity between BKC buildings and railway stations through dedicated pod taxi routes.
A pod taxi is part of the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) mechanism in which fully automated, driverless, electric vehicles run on elevated tracks to transport a small number of persons.
All metro phases to open for public by end of 2026, says Maharashtra CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that all phases of the metro project will be open for passengers by the end of 2026.
His statement came after the successful trial run of the much-awaited Metro Lines-4 and 4A on Monday.
The lines connect Wadala in Mumbai to Gaimukh in Thane.
(With PTI inputs)
