Mumbai eastern waterfront redevelopment to feature IT trade business hubs
Mumbai’s eastern waterfront is poised for a major transformation as plans to develop a high-value commercial hub gather pace. The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has initiated the process to lease out 28 strategically located plots, spanning over 217 acres, for a 30-year term. The move is expected to yield an estimated ₹814 crore annually while driving large-scale economic activity along the city’s eastern coastline.
The proposed developments will cover areas such as Wadala, Sewri, Reay Road, P D’Mello Road, Colaba, Fort, Mazgaon, Sassoon Dock, Mallet Bunder, and Alibaug’s Thal beach. Officials confirmed that the scope of projects includes corporate offices, IT and trade parks, advanced warehouses, and logistics facilities, all designed to strengthen Mumbai’s role as a business and trade powerhouse. In addition to core commercial activities, MbPA’s blueprint features tourism and recreation zones, a state-of-the-art marina, an amphitheatre, and landscaped public spaces. While residential projects are not part of the plan, the mix of business and leisure facilities is aimed at creating a vibrant waterfront economy that can attract investment, visitors, and employment.
An expression of interest for leasing these plots, 27 within Mumbai city limits and one in Raigad district — has been published, with the bidding process set to close on 11 September. The move is part of MbPA’s broader mandate as the special planning authority for developing the 966-hectare eastern waterfront into a world-class hub. Experts point out that nearly 70% of MbPA’s existing cargo operations involve liquid cargo such as chemicals and petroleum, making warehousing and allied industrial infrastructure a logical priority. However, stakeholders are also emphasising the importance of balancing industrial activity with sustainable urban planning. The inclusion of public recreation zones, they note, can help integrate the waterfront into the city’s social and cultural fabric while reducing the risk of it becoming an exclusive industrial enclave.
The eastern waterfront redevelopment has been under consideration for several years. A draft development plan released for public review in 2018 envisioned a mix of tourism, entertainment, marine services, and commercial spaces. While the project stalled in the past, the latest leasing initiative signals a renewed push towards execution. Urban development observers believe that if executed with sustainable building practices and environmental safeguards, the project could redefine Mumbai’s relationship with its coastline. By blending commercial potential with public access, the eastern waterfront could emerge not just as a corporate district, but as a dynamic, inclusive urban destination.
