‘Third Mumbai’ Gets Nod from State Govt for Development of MMR

The Maharashtra government has given a green light to construct a new metropolis around MMR, called "Third Mumbai."

This plan is in response to the increasing demands of housing, infrastructure, and public transport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The third Mumbai will be an addition to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It will offer improved housing, transport, and infrastructure to cater to the region's increasing populace.

The proposed city will be situated around the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. It will maintain connectivity to Mumbai via the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).

According to a report by HT, the state government approved this initiative last week. The redesign of the connectivity points of the MMR is expected to be overseen by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the newly formed New Town Development Authority (NTDA).

The NTDA is established for this purpose specifically. It will encompass parts of Ulwe, Pen, Panvel, Uran, Karjat, and adjoining areas, amounting to 323 square kilometres. Approximately 200 villages will be incorporated into the NTDA. About 80–90 of these fall within the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA).

The government's objective is to develop the MMR and push its economy. According to reports, the MMRDA and NITI Aayog are working together to boost Mumbai's GDP from INR 140 billion to INR 300 billion by 2030.

MTHL and the Navi Mumbai International Airport are also projected to contribute 1% each to India's GDP. The airport is now slated to open next December. It will enhance regional connectivity and alleviate some pressure on Mumbai Airport.

In a recent conference, the MMRDA highlighted the need to develop new territories around Mumbai for business and economic activity. However, developers argue that high development fees are hindering the possibility of affordable housing.

The rail project will cover five railway stations, including Panvel and Karjat, through two rail flyovers and three tunnels. According to MRVC authorities, 57 hectares of private land and 4.4 hectares of state land have been secured for the project.