Established under the Mumbai Metropolitan Development Act, 1974 the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) came into existence on January 25, 1975 to play a pivotal role in shaping the urban landscape and infrastructure development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Since its inception, MMRDA has been at the forefront of long-term planning, strategic project implementation, and infrastructure financing for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a thriving hub of economic activity while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
The vision of MMRDA is to unlock the full potential of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region by creating new growth centers and enhancing transportation, housing, water supply, and environmental sustainability, which will help pave the way for a prosperous future for the MMR and its residents.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth exploration of the MMRDA, the latest updates by MMRDA, its functions, significance, and impact on the region.
MMRDA Receives Approval for MTHL Connector Linking Chirle to Pune Expressway
March 18, 2024: MMRDA has received approval for its proposed connector at Chirle for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), linking it with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Estimated at around Rs. 10 billion, the new Chirle connector aims to reduce travel time between south Mumbai and Pune by an hour. The project is scheduled for completion in approximately 30 months.
MMRDA drops Versova-Uttan Costal Road
March 15, 2024: MMRDA has revised its plans for the coastal road, opting to construct a 55km stretch from Uttan in Bhayander to Virar, dropping the originally proposed 40km Versova-Uttan leg. Additionally, it has received state government approval to conduct a feasibility study for extending this coastal road by 50km up to Palghar.
MMRDA Floats Rs 10,000 plus Crore Tenders Before Election Announcement
March 16, 2024: Just ahead of the general election announcement, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has unveiled several significant tenders for infrastructure projects exceeding Rs 10,000 crore. Among these projects are the extension of the Eastern Freeway to Thane and the implementation of a pod car transit system in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) was set up to execute the regional plan and oversee planning, development, and coordination within the MMR. The MMR, established in 1967, saw its first Regional Plan approved in 1973. Subsequently, MMRDA crafted a revised plan for 1996-2011, effective from December 1, 1999.
In 2009, the Mumbai Metropolitan Planning Committee (MMPC) was formed under the Mumbai Metropolitan Planning Committee Act, 1999. The MMPC guided MMRDA in revising the Regional Plan. After incorporating public feedback and committee recommendations, MMRDA submitted the modified plan to MMPC in October 2017. The MMPC approved it with changes and forwarded it to the Government of Maharashtra (GoM) for final sanction.
In August 2019, GoM sanctioned a portion of the plan related to the Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone. Additionally, in September 2019, GoM expanded the MMR boundaries to include Palghar Taluka in the north and Khalapur, Pen, and Alibaug Talukas in the south, enlarging the total area of MMR to approximately 6,500 sq. km.
Official Website: https://mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in/
Working Hours: 9:30 to 18:00 IST
Weekly Off: Saturday & Sunday
The broad responsibilities of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority includes:
Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) encompasses several divisions responsible for managing various aspects of urban development, infrastructure, transportation, and other key functions within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Some of the notable divisions under MMRDA include:
Urban Planning Division
Responsible for formulating regional development plans, land use policies, and urban design guidelines to promote sustainable development and efficient land utilization within the MMR. Planning Division looks after Regional Planning, Development Financing and planning for areas where Government of Maharashtra has appointed MMRDA as a Special Planning Authority (SPA).
At present the Urban Design division is handling projects like
Transportation Division
Focuses on planning, implementing, and managing transportation infrastructure projects, including metro rail systems, road networks, bridges, and other modes of public transit to address the mobility needs of MMR.
Infrastructure Division
Oversees the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure facilities such as water supply, sewage treatment, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage systems to support urban growth and improve living standards.
Finance Division
Manages budgeting, financial planning, revenue generation, and expenditure control for the various projects and programs of MMRDA, ensuring prudent financial management and accountability.
Engineering Division
Provides engineering expertise and technical support for the planning, design, and execution of infrastructure projects undertaken by MMRDA, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Metropolitan Commissioner Office
Headed by the Metropolitan Commissioner, this office serves as the central administrative authority responsible for overall coordination, policy implementation, and decision-making within MMRDA.
Public Relations Division
Handles communication, media relations, and stakeholder engagement activities to disseminate information about the projects, initiatives, and achievements, fostering transparency and public awareness.
The administration of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is structured to efficiently manage and oversee the diverse array of projects and initiatives undertaken within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The administration is led by the Metropolitan Commissioner, who is responsible for the overall direction and implementation of policies and programs.
The authority operates through various departments, each focused on specific areas such as urban planning, transportation, infrastructure development, finance, and public relations
With a robust administrative framework in place, MMRDA effectively coordinates with government agencies, local authorities, stakeholders, and the public to ensure the seamless execution of projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life and promoting sustainable development across the MMR.
MMRDA is led by Metropolitan Commissioner and Additional Metropolitan Commissioner I and II
Source (https://mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in/divisions/administration/overview)
The MMR is home to over 23 million people, making it one of the most populous metropolitan and is spread over 6,328 sq. km. The region consists of 9 municipal corporations and 9 municipal councils along with more than 1,000 villages in Thane, Raigad, and Palghar Districts. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is responsible for the balanced development of the MMR.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has undertaken a range of transformative projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure, transportation, housing, and urban development within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Some of the key projects executed by MMRDA include:
Source (https://mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in)
MRDA has been instrumental in developing metro rail systems to improve mass rapid transit options, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance overall transportation efficiency within the city.
Some of the notable metro Rail systems are:
Apart from Mero Line, MRDA is also responsible for,
Mumbai Monorail
The 20 km long corridor from Chembur to Wadala to Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk is the first Monorail project of India
Source (https://mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in)
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is a 21.8 km Road Bridge connecting the Indian city of Mumbai with Navi Mumbai
Mumbai Trans Harbor Link-Metro Link
MMRDA has planned a metro corridor from Prabhadevi to Sewri and further to the Mainland through Navi Mumbai
Mumbai Urban Transport Project II
Also Read: Mumbai Trans Harbour Link's Impact on Real Estate Dynamics
Under the Smart City Mission, MMRDA has carved its own mission called Smart BKC.
Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) has been developed by MMRDA to create a State of the art financial and business hub. Bandra-Kurla Complex is being developed to decongest/decentralize further concentration of offices and commercial activities in South Mumbai. It facilitates built up space for operation of financial services, information technology and other ancillary services in the Bandra-Kurla Complex.
The complex has staff quarters, Club, 5 Star Hotels, Convention Complex, Diamond Bourse and hospitals apart from offices and houses a number of financial & business houses including National Stock Exchange, SEBI, & various national private banks, Schools, Mumbai Cricket Association cricket ground along with the Consulates of United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia and France.
Further, it also plans to have Municipal Wi-Fi, Smart Parking, Video Analytics and Citizen Apps, Smart Building Installations, Smart Kiosk Information Zone. E-Buses- Hybrid & Pure Electric, DHI- Viability Gap Funding, Solar powered Streetlights with Smart Grid and more.
MMRDA has been involved in projects related to water supply and sewage management to ensure adequate and sustainable access to clean water and sanitation facilities for residents of the MMR.
Kalu Dam Project and Regional Water Supply Scheme
The work of development of Kalu Water Supply Project has been undertaken to meet the Water Supply demand in the Eastern Sub-Region of MMR. The project is designed to provide 1140 MLD water supply and will be used to augment the Water Supply of Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivali, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath and Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Corporations.
Mithi Odour Control
Source (https://mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in)
Over the past 25 years, the development of suburban areas along the Mithi River has led to a significant deterioration in its water quality. Once serving as a crucial stormwater drain, the river has now been transformed into a sewage channel due to frequent dumping of raw sewage, industrial waste, and municipal refuse by the locals. As a result, the river is now inundated with sludge, garbage, and overgrown vegetation, causing contamination and stagnant water conditions.
A pilot project is being undertaken by MMRDA in the 3.5 Km stretch between Vakola Nalla and Kala-Nagar junction (1 km in Vakola Nalla & 2.5 Km in Mithi River) to remove the foul odour emanating from Mithi River. The project intends to improve qualitative parameters of Mithi waters which are generally responsible for degradation of any water body.
Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has undertaken 403 MLd capacity Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme to provide bulk supply to Mira-Bhayander & Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporations and rental housing projects of MMRDA including 27 villages within the western sub-region of MMR.
To tackle the issue of open defecation, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has undertaken a significant initiative. Over two years, MMRDA has constructed 1,283 community toilet sites, totaling 25,466 toilet seats, which have been handed over to residents in slum areas. With each toilet seat accommodating approximately 40 people, these facilities are utilized by an estimated 100,000 individuals daily
These toilet blocks are designed to cater to the diverse needs of users, with separate arrangements provided for males, females, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, special bathroom facilities are available exclusively for women. To ensure uninterrupted operation, separate electric and water supply systems have been installed for each toilet block. Moreover, to maintain cleanliness and hygiene round the clock, resident accommodation has been provided for caretakers, resulting in the employment of nearly 1,200 individuals.
MMRDA has initiated projects aimed at environmental conservation and the creation of green spaces within the MMR. This includes the development of parks, gardens, and recreational areas to enhance the quality of life for residents and promote sustainable urban living.
Addressing the housing needs of the growing population, MMRDA has been actively involved in developing affordable housing projects for different income groups to promote inclusive urbanization and equitable distribution of residential spaces
Rental Housing Scheme
The prime objective of the Rental Housing Scheme is to make available housing stock for an affordable rent. There has been a growing demand for affordable housing from the poor. In view of the basic objective of the housing policy, the Authority has been implementing this ambitious project since 2008 to provide Rental Housing Units (RHUs). Since year 2008, the RHS is being implemented in Urbanisable areas in MMR except in the limits of Navi Mumbai and Matheran Municipal Council.
These projects collectively reflect its commitment to shaping the growth and development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region through strategic infrastructure initiatives that aim to create a sustainable, well-connected, and inclusive urban environment for its residents.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) offers various citizen services as part of its Citizen Charter. These services include easy, comprehensive, and up-to-date access to information for citizens and stakeholders through the MMRDA Web Portal
Additionally, the MMRDA provides services such as RTI details, online services and complaint management.
Citizens can lodge complaints and track the status of their complaints through the website.
BANDRA-KURLA COMPLEX
MMRDA New Administrative Building,
E Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex,
Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051
+91-22-26594000+91-22-2659 1264
THANE
Sub-Regional Office, Thane,
Multipurpose Hall,2nd Floor, Near Oswal Park, Pokharan Road No.2, Majiwada,
Thane (West) 400 601.
(022)21712195
(022)25418265
KALYAN
MMRDA Divisional Office,
OLD Municipal Building,
Tilak Chauk,
Kalyan (West)
(022)2512200298
WADALA
Wadala Truck Terminal,
A1 Building, Near RTO Office,Wadala,
Mumbai 400 037
02224062124
02224036432
CR-2 OFFICE
INOX Theater, CR-2 Building,
9th Floor, Opp. Bajaj Bhavan,
Nariman Point,
Mumbai 400 021
02266151198
02266157429
In conclusion, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority stands as a linchpin in driving forward the urban evolution of the MMR. Through strategic planning, robust governance frameworks, and a commitment to sustainable development practices, the MMRDA continues to shape the future trajectory of MMR towards prosperity and resilience.