As many as 16 new flyovers, conservation work on four city forts and starting the second phase of Mithi River Development Project are some of the measures announced by Maharashtra Finance Minister Jayant Patil in the state budget presented on Thursday.

However, major funding for these projects is expected to be received from the Centre while the state government will need to only provide its share, Patil said. "The state is committed to making available the required funds," he said.

Under the Centre's Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission Programme, which provides funding for infrastructure projects like water, sewerage and roads, the state has identified five urban agglomerations for inclusion in this mission, he said. These include Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Pune, Thane and Mira-Bhayander.

The central government has sanctioned 61 projects worth Rs 5,832 crore (Rs 58.32 billion) and has released a grant of Rs 356 crore (Rs 3.56 billion). Patil said the state government is committed to providing its share with an outlay of Rs 400 crore (Rs 4 billion) for the year 2007-08.

Referring to Mumbai Urban Transport Project, Patil said the government has accorded sanction to the proposal of MUTP phase-II estimated at Rs 6,553.39 crore (Rs 65.533 billion). The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation has submitted a revised proposal of MUTP's rail component and the government is actively considering the same.

According to Patil, the government has proposed 16 new flyovers in Mumbai to reduce congestion on express highways. He, however, did not identify the places where the new flyovers will come up.

Patil said the state will receive Rs 50 crore (Rs 500 million) for heritage conservation and major works of restoring monuments would be carried out through this fund. Among monuments lined up for restoration are the Gateway of India, the Banganga lake and the forts of Bandra, Sewree, Worli in Mumbai and Ghodbunder in Thane.

He said the government had proposed specific projects worth Rs 21,400 crore (Rs 214 billion) to the Centre to make Mumbai a world class city. Of these, the Centre has agreed to schemes worth Rs 10,400 crore (Rs 104 billion).

Out of these, Middle Vaitarna Project, Mumbai Sewage Disposal Project and two major flyovers have been approved for funding under the National Urban Renewal Mission. The Union government has also agreed to provide 100 per cent funding for the Brihanmumbai Stormwater and Drainage Project, Patil said.

Referring to the Sewree-Nhava Sealink Project, Patil said that financial bids have been invited for the project. Patil informed that Mithi River Development and Protection Authority has completed the work of widening and deepening of the river in phase-I, costing Rs 55 crore (Rs 550 million).

The second phase will commence soon at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore (Rs 8 billion), including the rehabilitation of the affected people.

Patil also told members that the formulation of draft plan to develop Mumbai and its surrounding areas is nearing completion and will be finalised after talking to local bodies and legislators.