VOICED: India's newest hill station builds for the future

Lavasa, a planned city near Mumbai, represents a new approach to urban development in India. It promises modern infrastructure with uninterrupted utilities and well-managed traffic, contrasting sharply with Mumbai's crowded slums. Lavasa aims to house 200,000 residents and attract non-polluting industries, creating over 50,000 jobs. The project, costing $28.5 billion, is backed by major corporations and aims to set a precedent for future Indian cities.

What makes Lavasa unique compared to other cities built since British colonial times?

• It is the first city to be built in a desert.

• It is the first resort city built since British colonial times.

• It is the first city to be built entirely underwater.

• It is the first city to be built on an island.

What is one of the main priorities in the planning of Lavasa?

• To ensure a high population density.

• To create the largest shopping mall in the world.

• To provide uninterrupted power and water supply.

• To build the tallest skyscrapers in India.

How does Lavasa's environment differ from that of Mumbai?

• Lavasa has a higher population than Mumbai.

• Lavasa has more open spaces and greenery.

• Lavasa has more slums than Mumbai.

• Lavasa is more congested than Mumbai.

What is the expected number of tourists visiting Lavasa each year?

• 500,000 tourists

• 1,000,000 tourists

• 2,000,000 tourists

• 3,000,000 tourists

What is the estimated cost of building Lavasa?

• 35 billion dollars

• 28.5 billion dollars

• 20 billion dollars

• 10 billion dollars