New town planned across Mumbai harbour: A glimpse into the future

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) is embarking on an ambitious venture to create a sprawling 350-square-kilometer settlement across Mumbai Harbor. This visionary initiative aims to position the region as the fastest-growing hub in the country over the next decade, leveraging the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
The Maharashtra government is working tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for its citizens, driven by the state’s burgeoning population. The MMRDA is at the forefront of this effort, envisioning a new urban landscape on the shores of Mumbai Harbor. The government’s aspiration is to foster growth and development on an unprecedented scale, catalyzed by the strategic connectivity afforded by the MTHL and NMIA.
Distinguishing the proposed town
According to Sanjay Mukherjee, the MMRDA commissioner, this pioneering plan is poised to redefine the state’s urban fabric. Notably, the proposed town sets itself apart from existing urban developments like Naina. While Mumbai spans over 600 sq km and Navi Mumbai covers 344 sq km, Naina City, planned by Cidco, encompasses 370 sq km. Surpassing them all with its expansive 350 sq km coverage, the proposed town aims to be larger than Navi Mumbai.
A focus on infrastructure
Crucially, the MMRDA’s vision is to prioritize infrastructure, such as transportation connectivity, before the construction of buildings—a departure from conventional urban planning approaches. This forward-