In a strategic initiative aimed at optimising the economic viability of the recently inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to undertake comprehensive development across 124 villages encompassing a sprawling 323.44-square kilometre area.
The move, detailed in a notification from the state’s Urban Development Department (UDD), signifies a pivotal shift in planning dynamics, with the MMRDA assuming the role of the New Town Development Authority to spearhead the transformative project. The state’s decision, as outlined in the notification, withdraws the special planning authority status previously held by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for the specified area, appointing the MMRDA as the new development authority. This strategic realignment is expected to pave the way for the creation of a third Mumbai, complementing the existing urban landscape that spans 603 square kilometres.
The government’s directive explicitly links this transformative decision to the economic viability of the Rs 18,000-crore Atal Setu MTHL project. The MTHL, celebrated as a landmark infrastructure initiative, is anticipated to significantly enhance connectivity and reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The UDD notification emphasises, “to make the MTHL project economically viable by capturing the land value enhancement of MTHL landing and influence area, the ‘said authority’ (MMRDA) has requested the government to appoint the MMRDA as the new town development authority (NTDA) for MTHL influence area consisting of a total of 124 villages comprising approximately 323.44 square kilometres.”
Notably, among the 124 villages earmarked for development, 80 fall within the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area, 33 are part of the Khopta New Town Notified Area, two align with the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Plan, and nine are integrated into the Raigad Regional plan. This strategic shift aligns with the broader vision of MMRDA to foster economic growth, enhance regional development, and optimise the socio-economic impact of major infrastructure projects within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
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