MUMBAI, April 11 -- An integrated township for low-income families will be built in Borivali west, on 28 acres of land belonging to two government entities. The mega-project, to be developed at Shimpoli and mainland Gorai, is expected to be completed within three to four years. The proposed township, greenlighted by the state government on Friday, will be the first such project in a metro city in Maharashtra, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U). It will be developed by the Maharashtra Housing Development Corporation (MahaHousing), whose officials made a presentation to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday. Officials said the Gorai land parcel is owned by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and the Shimpoli plot by Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). Together, the land to be developed measures 28.84 acres. Fadnavis has approved the proposal to transfer the land from BSNL and MTNL to MahaHousing at the Ready Reckoner rate, at an estimated cost of Rs.729 crore. The proposed township will include housing units under the PMAY, which aims to provide affordable housing to economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-income groups (LIG). The initiative is expected to increase the availability of affordable housing in Mumbai's western suburbs and will boost the state government's efforts to expand housing access for urban residents through centrally sponsored schemes. According to officials, the township will feature various amenities. "There will be a school, hospital, playground, cultural centre and a commercial area. It will also have a skill development centre, which would provide employment-oriented training to youth. The homes will measure around 450 sq ft and will be available at affordable rates," said the official. The township will be well connected as it will be served by two metro stations and the proposed Versova-Dahisar coastal road. Tryambak Kasar, managing director of MahaHousing, said Fadnavis has told officials to expedite the land transfer from BSNL and MTNL, so that the project can take off. The ground-breaking ceremony is expected to be held in two to three months. "This will be not just any other housing project but will boast amenities like a school, hospital and many other facilities. It will be the first such project in a metro city in Maharashtra," said Kasar....