The Maharashtra government has given approval for the development of a new city named ‘Third Mumbai,’ aimed at addressing the increasing population and providing improved housing, infrastructure, and transportation in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The city will be centered around the Navi Mumbai International Airport and connected to Mumbai through the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is expected to oversee the transformation of the far ends of MMR through the newly formed New Town Development Authority (NTDA). The NTDA will cover areas such as Ulwe, Pen, Panvel, Uran, Karjat, and surrounding regions, spanning an area of 323 sq.kms, including approximately 200 villages, with 80-90 villages falling under the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA).
The proposed ‘Third Mumbai’ is envisioned to have comprehensive infrastructure, including residential (luxury and affordable) and commercial complexes, data centers, hubs for multinational corporations (MNCs), banks, financial companies, and large knowledge parks. The city is anticipated to contribute significantly to economic activity and the country’s GDP.
As part of the economic development plan, there are intentions to establish a second Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Kharghar, covering around 150 hectares as a purely commercial area. The government aims to boost the MMR economy to approximately USD 0.25 trillion. The MMRDA and NITI Aayog are collaborating on measures to elevate Mumbai’s GDP from $140 billion to $300 billion by 2030, with the proposed ‘Third Mumbai’ playing a crucial role in this strategy.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and Navi Mumbai International Airport are anticipated to contribute to a 1% increase in India’s GDP. The new airport is scheduled to open next December, easing congestion at Mumbai airport and improving regional connectivity.
Furthermore, discussions have taken place regarding the need to explore new areas around Mumbai for economic and commercial activities. To enhance public transportation, a Panvel-Karjat suburban rail corridor is being developed by Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹812 crore, aims to reduce congestion on suburban trains by connecting Navi Mumbai with Raigad district and is expected to be completed by December 2025. The corridor will also benefit the development of Panvel, Karjat, Naina, and the proposed NTDA.