In a struggle to make Mumbai an international city, the cabinet of Maharashtra finally passed the legislation to make Mumbai operate 24*7. The plan allows Mumbai malls, restaurants and multiplexes to operate 24 hours a day from January 27, 2020, which means you can watch a movie, eat in a restaurant and roam in malls even after midnight. Mumbai 24 hours was a plan of Aditya Thackeray since 2013, though the proposal got a green signal in 2017, but was never implemented. However, finally, the plan will be in action from January 27, 2020.
Mumbai, which is known as Sapno ki Mahanagri (city of dreams) will get a whole new outlook due to this initiative. This will help Mumbai the commercial capital into a global city and give it an international touch like the cities of London. Aaditya Thackeray, son of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, said that the initiative would help in generating around five lakhs jobs. It will also attract tourist opportunities as well and will boost the revenue and the outlook of the city.
In the words of Thackeray, “if we have to make Mumbai an international city, then we need to give them more facilities”. However, this doesn’t apply to pubs and bars as they need to be shut down by 1:30 am, and there is no change in the routine. Also, the option of staying open 24*7 is not binding. The choice to open to all and if one thinks that he can make a profit within the period, he can go for it.
Another interesting thing is that a lane for food truck will be opened in the Bandra Kurla Complex and Nariman point so that people can easily access street food. Plus the food inspectors will keep an eye on these food trucks. Mr Thackeray also said that if proper solid waste management is not done, there will be severe punishment which is reasonable keeping in mind the already climate change which is happening, decibel limits and law and order are to be maintained, and if not done so, there is a provision of a lifetime ban.
Mr Thackeray also stated that there are provisions for security and CCTVs in malls and mill compounds and they have all the licenses. If these establishments need additional police security, they will have to pay for it, he added.
When asked about the criticism from the BJP over this move, the minister said the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government was working to fulfil people’s aspirations.
Furthermore, what we can count as advantages for the city is that more working hours mean additional output, which ultimately leads to more revenue; hence more wages and income along with a growth seems not far for businesses.
We can say that this initiative of the tourism minister is sure to boost Mumbai’s economy. Mumbaikar’s can now hope for the best.
