Mumbai News: Due to a surge of Mumbai residents shifting to Vangani in Thane and Karjat in Raigad districts of Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath
Shinde on Friday, 15 August, promised to build 35 lakh houses in Mumbai to bring them back to the city. Recently, many people have resettled in these two towns, seeking a quieter place close to Mumbai. Located on the Central Railway Line, Vangani and Karjat offer a similar atmosphere with serene natural beauty and are also close to IT parks in Navi Mumbai. The Deputy CM added that all the municipal corporations will be roped in to help the government prepare adequate infrastructure to stop the resettlement to other cities. "In an effort to bring the residents of Mumbai, who have shifted to Vangani and Karjat, back to the city, 30-35 lakh homes will be made in Mumbai, taking all the municipal corporations together..." said Eknath Shinde, the deputy CM, quoted ANI.
Why Mumbaikars Are Shifting to Vangani and Karjat?
Proximity to IT Hubs
Numerous perks have attracted Mumbaikars to Vangani and Karjat. Firstly, the proximity to the IT Hub in Navi Mumbai - Vishwaroop IT Park, BSEL Tech Park, Intelnet IT Park - has made it ideal for their employees. The travel time to reach IT Parks from Vangani is 1-1.5 hours, and from Karjat, it takes 1 hour and 32 minutes by car.
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Affordable Housing and Nature-Blend
Housing costs in Vangai and Karjat are comparatively low, according to media reports. Those eying budgeted homes consider living here as it is in proximity to the Financial Capital of India, Mumbai, subsequently boosting real estate in Raigad, said housing.com.
This place is also gaining popularity for its tranquility and nature-based attractions like stargazing, treks, and farmhouse retreats.
Connectivity through Railway and Highways
Vangani benefits from its railway station on the Mumbai Suburban Railway’s Central Line (Karjat route), making commuting to Mumbai feasible, and upcoming infrastructure like the Panvel–Karjat corridor is expected to cut travel time by about 30 minutes.
Railway Line:
CSMT → Dadar → Kurla → Thane → Kalyan → Ambernath → Badlapur → Vangani → Shelu → Neral → Bhivpuri Road → Karjat
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Vangani: Once Known for Its Visually Impaired Community
Vangani has a supportive community. For over two decades, Vangani in Maharashtra’s Thane district has been home to more than 300 visually impaired families who migrated here from across the state, drawn by low living costs and hopes of secure housing. Many earn a living by hawking goods or offering services like singing and massage, travelling daily by train to Mumbai, reported The Indian Express.
