In a significant move towards realizing the ambitious ‘Third Mumbai’ project, the Maharashtra government has issued key notifications, paving the way for the development of a new city near the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atal Setu. The state’s urban development department (UDD) released two crucial notifications on March 4, facilitating the creation of this new urban hub.
Titled ‘Notification for the Appointment of New Town Development Authority,’ the first notification transfers a substantial area around MTHL to the MMRDA-led New Town Development Authority (NTDA) for development purposes. This decision follows MMRDA’s request on August 28, 2023, to appoint it as the NTDA for the MTHL ‘Influence Area,’ encompassing fl24 villages spread across approximately 323.44 square kilometers. The area includes 80 villages from the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area, 33 villages from the Khopta New Town Notified Area, two villages from the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Plan, and nine villages from the Raigad Regional Plan.
The area includes 80 villages from the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area, 33 villages from the Khopta New Town Notified Area, two villages from the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Plan, and nine villages from the Raigad Regional Plan.
The second notification, ‘Invitation for Objections and Suggestions,’ seeks public feedback on the removal of CIDCO and the appointment of the MMRDA-led NTDA as the planning authority for the new city.
Leveraging the improved connectivity offered by the MTHL, the proposed ‘Third Mumbai’ will be located around the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, spanning across Ulwe, Pen, Panvel, Uran, Karjat, and surrounding areas in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
According to the plan, the new city will be a fully developed urban center featuring various amenities, including commercial complexes, data centers, MNC hubs, banks, financial companies, residential (both luxury and affordable), and extensive knowledge parks.
One of the key highlights is the development of a second Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Kharghar, covering approximately fl50 hectares, which will serve as a dedicated commercial area attracting both Indian and multinational companies. The ‘Third Mumbai’ project is expected to alleviate the growing pressure on the existing Mumbai city and provide a modern, sustainable urban environment for the ever-increasing population and economic activities in the region.
With the issuance of these notifications, the Maharashtra government has taken a crucial step towards realizing its vision of creating a new urban hub in the MMR, fostering economic growth, and providing world-class infrastructure and amenities for its residents and businesses.
Authored by;
Jai kumar Doble, Chartered Engineer, MBA (UK), MTech (Structure), BE Civil, IGBC AP