International partnerships to accelerate development of 'Third Mumbai': CM Fadnavis
Mumbai, Aug 7
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is set to undergo a major transformation into a world-class urban hub, with international strategic partnerships giving a major push to the development of 'Third Mumbai'.
Highlighting a report by NITI Aayog that projects the MMR to become a $1.5 trillion economy, he affirmed the state's commitment to planned, sustainable, and global-standard urban development through international collaborations.
He made this announcement following the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Singapore-based Temasek Holdings, Mapletree, and Surbana Jurong.
Under MoU with the Raigad Pen Growth Center Limited (RPGCL), Singapore's Mapletree will invest over $1.1 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to develop a 100-acre world-class mixed-use project within the Raigad-Pen Growth Center.
Surbana Jurong, which has already prepared the vision, master, and infrastructure plans for the Raigad-Pen Growth Center, has been officially appointed as the Project Management Consultant. The firm will oversee execution, engineering design, quality control, and compliance, said the government release.
Expanding on agreements initially initiated during the World Economic Forum in Davos, a comprehensive master plan covering 324 square kilometers will guide the development of Third Mumbai. The blueprint encompasses land use, transit networks, housing, industrial corridors, and civic infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis highlighted that major connectivity projects-including the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Atal Setu-are acting as catalysts for growth across the Raigad belt.
"The MMR strategy is translating from planning into ground reality. With physical infrastructure work actively underway, global investors are demonstrating immense confidence in Maharashtra," CM Fadnavis stated. "Singapore's extensive experience in master planning and urban development will significantly benefit the state," he added.
The Chief Minister added that the state's long-term vision is to integrate the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Atal Setu, and the Raigad-Pen Growth Center into a seamless ecosystem that will eventually give rise to Third Mumbai (Mumbai 3.0) and Fourth Mumbai, driving job creation, industrial expansion, and modern urban living.
The collaboration between MMRDA and global institutional partners marks a landmark shift toward Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in state infrastructure development. By bringing in international investment, advanced technology, and urban planning expertise, the state aims to ensure rapid project delivery and long-term economic value, said the release.
— IANS
Reader Comments
$1.5 trillion economy for MMR? That's ambitious but achievable if the planning is done right. I just hope the 'world-class' development doesn't mean only high-end commercial spaces and luxury housing. We need affordable housing, good public transport, and green spaces for the common Mumbaikar too. The Singapore model works because they plan for all segments of society.
Great move by CM Fadnavis! The MoUs with Temasek and Mapletree bring serious credibility. But I've seen many such announcements in the past that never materialized on the ground. Let's hope the execution matches the ambition this time. Also, the state needs to work on the last-mile connectivity - what's the point of a world-class growth center if people can't reach it easily?
As someone who travels daily between Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai, I can tell you the traffic is already a nightmare. The Atal Setu helped a bit, but we need more metro lines and local train connectivity to Raigad. Infrastructure is good, but please don't forget the existing problems while planning for the future. 🚉
It's nice to see international collaboration for our city's growth. Singapore has done wonders with limited land, so their expertise will surely help. But I'm a bit concerned about the environmental impact - Raigad has beautiful green cover and hills. The master plan must include strict environmental regulations and preserve the natural beauty while developing. Sustainability should be the cornerstone, not an afterthought.
While I appreciate the vision, I can't help but notice that the actual land
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