CM Eknath Shinde chairs MMRDA meeting; Backbay Reclamation plan, MMR-Alibaug corridor get mega push

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority MMRDA convened its 158th authority meeting on Tuesday September 24 It was chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde The meeting saw several key decisions aimed at enhancing connectivity infrastructure and economic development within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region MMR and also focused on vital urban projects and the revision of development plans for strategic zones such as Backbay Reclamation Some of the key decisions taken in the meeting are as followsBackbay Reclamation Development Plan RevisionA revised draft development plan for the Backbay Reclamation Scheme Blocks III to VI was presented prepared under Section 26 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act 1966 The revision takes into account ongoing projects by other government and nongovernment organisations in the area including slum rehabilitation and metro projectsThe 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 Subhashchandra 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 areaAccessControlled Highway from Badlapur to VirarAlibaug Multimodal CorridorAdministrative approval was granted for the preliminary alignment report of an accesscontrolled highway connecting Kalyan Dombivli Ulhasnagar Ambernath and Badlapur with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai The project estimated at Rs 10833 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 Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area NAINA while also reducing congestion in Thane and the nearby highwaysThe project will feature an eightlane divided carriageway with service lanes ensuring a design speed of 80 kmhour Major interchanges are proposed with key roadways including the MumbaiVadodara Spur KataiBadlapur and the Kalyan Ring RoadAllotment of Land for NPCI at Bandra Kurla Complex BKCThe 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 which is a key player in Indiarsquos digital payment infrastructure This will benefit from a builtup area potential of 5 lakh square feet and the initiative aligns with the governments focus on promoting fintech and digital innovation in MumbaiImplementation of Economic Master Plan for MMRAs a part of the broader vision to develop the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a global economic hub the authority gave administrative approval for the formation of a dedicated Project Implementation Unit and a Business Development Cell to execute the regions Economic Master Plan This ambitious roadmap jointly developed by National Institution for Transforming India NITI Aayog and the Maharashtra Government will position MMR as a central growth hub in IndiaEconomic Master Plan to create opportunities for businesses residents CM Eknath ShindeThe authority also granted initial budgetary approvals of up to Rs 100 crore for 202425 to kickstart the execution of this master planMMRDArsquos initiatives reflect the governmentrsquos commitment to improving urban infrastructure enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth in the region The proposed developments especially those related to transport and tourism will bolster Mumbairsquos standing as a dynamic global city and economic powerhouse the authority stated in a press releaseShinde reiterated the regions potential during the meeting and stated MMR holds a critical position in Indias 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 Also this revised development plan reflects a careful balance between modernisation environmental conservation and the socioeconomic needs of the local population Proposals such as the new legislative building and the lsquoMarinarsquo tourism project will bring significant benefits to the region without disrupting the livelihoods or ecology of the areaMMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee emphasised the authorityrsquos commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development We are focused on creating a balanced approach to growth that integrates infrastructure development environmental conservation and the wellbeing of local communities The revised development plans and major connectivity projects such as the Backbay Reclamation and the accesscontrolled highway are critical to shaping the future of MMR Our vision is to enhance connectivity promote economic growth and ensure that every project respects the natural and social fabric of the region he said