The Maharashtra government is poised to launch a comprehensive plan aimed at doubling the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) from USD 140 billion into USD 300 billion within the next five years. This ambitious target aligns with the recommendations made by NITI Aayog, India’s apex policy think tank, which has urged the state to elevate MMR to a global economic powerhouse.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde convened a high-level meeting on September 5 with key representatives from state government agencies, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and other stakeholders. The purpose was to deliberate on the strategic framework for achieving this economic milestone. The formal unveiling of the plan is expected to occur on September 12. As part of this endeavour, a project management committee will be constituted to oversee the implementation of various high-impact initiatives. These initiatives have been categorised into two distinct tiers “platinum” and “golden.”
The “platinum” projects include transforming Gorai, Alibaug, and Madh into premier tourist destinations and establishing a 248-hectare integrated logistics park in Kharbav, Vasai. Additionally, strategic development in Angelo-Saape, Wadhwan, and Dighi is also classified under this tier, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth. Meanwhile, the “golden” projects are focused on enhancing connectivity and infrastructure. These projects feature the high-speed bullet train, the Sinhgad road project, the Goregaon-Thane tunnel, the development of service lanes on the Mumbai-Pune highway, and integrated river rehabilitation efforts.
In addition to these projects, the state government has earmarked USD 12.7 billion for further infrastructure investments. This budget will support the expansion of the metro network, including a new line parallel to the coastal road and the Metro-5 line, which will link Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan. Furthermore, extensive housing developments are planned across 12 sites under the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA). A key component of the government’s strategy includes upgrading Mumbai’s Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), aiming to increase its passenger capacity by an additional 200,000 over the next seven years.
The Chief Minister has directed that these infrastructure and transportation projects be prioritised to stimulate regional economic growth. The overarching vision is to establish MMR as a formidable economic entity by 2047, aligned with NITI Aayog’s recent advisories. The think tank has outlined seven key growth drivers and has urged Maharashtra to attract between USD 125 and USD 135 billion in private sector investments to realise its ambition of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2028.
