Leveraging the improved connectivity with the opening of the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atal Setu, Maharashtra’s urban development department (UDD) issued two notifications on 4 March 2024, facilitating the development of 'Third Mumbai' near the Chirle end of the link.
As per a Hindustan Times report, the first notification involves handing over a significant area around MTHL to the MMRDA-led New Town Development Authority (NTDA) for development purposes.
This move follows MMRDA's request on 28 August 2023, to appoint it as the NTDA for the MTHL 'Influence Area,' including 124 villages spread across approximately 323.44 sq km.
Of these, 80 villages are 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 notification said.
The second notification invites objections and suggestions regarding the removal of CIDCO and the appointment of the MMRDA-led NTDA as the planning authority for the new city.
This new city will be located around the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, covering Ulwe, Pen, Panvel, Uran, Karjat, and surrounding areas in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
As per the plan, third Mumbai will be a fully developed city featuring various amenities with commercial complexes, data centres, MNC hubs, banks, financial companies, residential (both luxury and affordable), and extensive knowledge parks.
Plans also include developing a second Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Kharghar, covering approximately 150 hectares, to serve as a dedicated commercial area attracting both Indian and multinational companies.
