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 to approximately 6,500 sq. km.

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The MMR has witnessed significant urban changes in recent years, impacting both the city and its peri-urban areas. The key industries in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region include gems & jewellery, leather processing, IT and ITES, textiles, petrochemical, electronics manufacturing, automobiles, and entertainment. These industries play a significant role in the economic growth and development of Mumbai, contributing to its status as a major financial and commercial hub in India.

The major ports in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region include Mumbai Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP), and Dharamtar Port

Mumbai Port, established in 1873, is one of the premier ports in India located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, with significant facilities and a long history of service.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port, also known as JNPT or Nhava Sheva Port, is the second largest container port in India after Mundra Port, situated on the eastern shores of the Arabian Sea in Navi Mumbai, Raigad district.

Dharamtar Port is another significant port located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area. These ports play a crucial role in the maritime activities and economic development of the region.

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The region is steeped in history and boasts iconic landmarks that narrate its rich heritage.

Some of the key cultural heritages and landmarks in the MMR include:

Gateway of India: An iconic monument built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. It is a beautiful structure made of yellow basalt located at the waterfront of the Arabian Sea

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, CST is a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture and a significant train station in Mumbai, known for its intricate design and historical importance

Elephanta Caves: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, these caves on an island in Mumbai harbor are dedicated to the worship of Shiva and feature impressive carvings, including a six-meter tall relief sculpture of a three-headed Shiva

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai: This collection of 94 buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries showcases the legacy of British colonial architecture in Mumbai, including notable structures like Bombay High Court, University of Mumbai, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Mount Mary Church: A Roman Catholic Basilica in Bandra where the city converges for midnight mass on Christmas Eve, with a history dating back to the 17th century

Rajabai Clock Tower: Known as the Big Ben of Mumbai, this tower at the University of Mumbai is a blend of Venetian and Gothic styles with beautiful stained glass windows

Banganga Tank: An ancient water tank located at Malabar Hill with a legend tied to Hindu mythology, rebuilt over the years and surrounded by serene surroundings