The ranking has been described as a 'revival and restoring of its former glory'. Three years ago, Business Today ranked Mumbai second and analysts contended that newer rivals like Bangalore and Hyderabad with their emerging infotech economy would replace it as the business capitals of India. But the die-hard in Mumbai won out, and according to the 2001 Business Today survey (which is done every three years), it is back to its numero uno position as the best city for business.

Mumbai gains edge over other cities for its infrastructural facilities like power, healthcare facilities, public transport, telecom facilities, water supply and career prospects. Mumbai has abundant water supply both for residential and industrial use. Besides power is abundant as well, which is advantageous for industries that look for uninterrupted power supply. Bangalore, Hyderabad and other cities that face power problems lose out to Mumbai here. Its public transport system as been touted as the best in the country so far. It is the only city which is interconnected by train services. Yet it has its share of problems. The peak hour train load is 4,200 passengers per train which is 2.5 times its actual capacity. Besides the roads aren't any better. With 200 new vehicles hitting the road every day, the roads are an absolute horror to all motorists.

Mumbai also provides good telecommunication facilities and CEOs liken the facilities to that of international cities. Career wise, Mumbai is the place 'where all dreams come true' thanks to its many industries and the need for professionals. Its work culture is also something to be proud of and CEOs will swear by the professionalism of their employees. In fact its work culture ethics are said to be the best in the country.

But its biggest disadvantages are the quotidian traffic snarls, the over crowded trains, the real estate prices, the cost of living , its pollution (which is 15 to 20 times higher than the permissible levels) and the dismal housing facilities. Real estate prices are described as obscene and the obsolete rental laws scare landlords from renting out their homes. Cost of living is increasing and is a major source of concern for all homemakers. In fact according to the survey, Mumbai is perceived as the most expensive city after which come Delhi and Bangalore. Pollution levels are also very high, almost 15 to 20 times higher than the permissible levels. Along with this are the cleanliness levels in the city which is dismal.

But Mumbai's biggest advantage is its fantabulous service sectors such as banking, equities, law and accounting, media, consulting, research, IT and education. Besides 90 per cent of the country's merchant banking takes place here. Along with the National Stock Exchange, three of the largest banks and top two financial institutions, many feel that Mumbai has the potential to become an international finance centre along the lines of New York and Singapore, or an offshore financial centre like Mauritius or the Bahamas.

There are concerns about the quality of life which is slowly deteriorating in Mumbai. Though the splitting of Mumbai into Nariman Point, Bandra-Kurla complex and New Mumbai has eased the pressure on the city. There are plans to create a knowledge corridor along the Mumbai-New Mumbai-Pune route, and build more business parks along with recreational and residential facilities in the important districts of Maharashtra.