The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been entrusted with an expanded role as the planning agency for more than 600 villages spanning Raigad and Palghar districts, according to a recent government resolution from the state urban development department.
The expansion of MMRDA’s jurisdiction encompasses significant regions, extending from Pen tehsil in Alibag to the southern part of the Patalganga river on the eastern frontier. This extension includes areas southwards to Khalapur, Pen, Alibag, Palghar taluka, and Vasai taluka, effectively enlarging its planning authority from 4,355 sq km to 6,355 sq km. A senior government official highlighted that this move was prompted by MMRDA’s strategic plans for upcoming projects in the region.
These include the ambitious Virar-Alibag multi-modal corridor, growth centres in Boisar, and infrastructural initiatives like the bullet train corridor near Vadhavan. The official emphasized that expanding MMRDA’s boundaries would catalyse development across these areas. Originally established as a planning body, MMRDA’s role expanded during the Shiv Sena-BJP government tenure from 1995 to 1999 to encompass infrastructure development. Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advocated for MMRDA to undertake slum rehabilitation projects, indicating a broader mandate for the authority.
The decision to extend MMRDA’s jurisdiction underscores a strategic shift towards integrated regional development planning. By consolidating its authority over these additional territories, MMRDA aims to streamline infrastructure projects and foster sustainable urban growth in the extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This expansion is expected to streamline administrative processes and facilitate cohesive planning efforts, ensuring that upcoming infrastructure projects are executed with efficiency and foresight.
