Several key decisions aimed at enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and economic development within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) were taken at the 158th meeting of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), chaired by Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, on Tuesday. The meeting also focused on vital urban projects and the revision of development plans for strategic zones like the  Backbay Reclamation.

Key Developments and Decisions:

Backbay Reclamation Development Plan Revision: A revised draft development plan for the Backbay Reclamation Scheme (Blocks III to VI) prepared under Section 26 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966 was presented. The revision takes into account ongoing projects by other government and non-government organizations in the area, including slum rehabilitation and metro projects.

The draft plan divides the area into residential and commercial zones  with special attention to natural features such as beaches and mangroves. It includes the expansion of the New Legislative Building and the introduction of new link roads, among them a proposed connectivity between Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg and Jagannath Bhosle Marg. Additionally, a dedicated marina for tourism is proposed  which will include ports for small boats and yachts to boost tourism in the area.

Access-Controlled Highway from Badlapur to Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor: Administrative approval was given for preliminary alignment report of an access-controlled highway connecting Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath and Badlapur with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The project, estimated at Rs 10,833 crore, aims to cut travel time between these cities and Mumbai to 60 minutes and Navi Mumbai to 30 minutes. The highway will provide direct connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and NAINA, while also reducing congestion in Thane and nearby highways. The project will feature an 8-lane divided carriageway with service lanes, ensuring a design speed of 80 km/h. Major interchanges are proposed with key roadways, including the Mumbai-Vadodara Spur, Katai-Badlapur and the Kalyan Ring Road.

Allotment of Land for NPCI at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): The Authority also approved the allotment of a commercial plot at BKC for the construction of a new administrative office for the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), a key player in India’s digital payment infrastructure.

Implementation of Economic Master Plan for MMR: Administrative approval was given for the formation of a dedicated "Project Implementation Unit" and a "Business Development Cell" to execute the region's Economic Master Plan. This ambitious roadmap has been jointly developed by NITI Aayog and the Maharashtra Government. It will position MMR as a central growth hub in India. MMRDA has given initial budgetary approvals of up to Rs. 100 crore for 2024-25 to kick-start the execution of this master plan.

The proposed developments, especially those related to transport and tourism, are aimed to  bolster Mumbai’s as a dynamic global city and economic powerhouse.

Shinde said that MMR holds a critical position in India's economic landscape. “Through strategic planning and collaborative efforts with global entities such as the World Economic Forum, we will ensure that Mumbai continues to thrive as a global city. This Economic Master Plan will guide us towards sustainable development, creating opportunities for businesses and residents alike.” He also said that this revised development plan reflects a careful balance between modernization, environmental conservation, and the socio-economic needs of the local population. “The proposals such as the new legislative building and the ‘Marina’ tourism project, will bring significant benefits to the region without disrupting the livelihoods or ecology of the area," he added.

Sanjay Mukherjee, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, said, “The revised development plans and major connectivity projects, such as the Backbay Reclamation and the access-controlled highway, are critical to shaping the future of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Our vision is to enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and ensure that every project respects the natural and social fabric of the region."