Third Mumbai Development Update: State & Railways Collab To Plan Out Corridors Near NMIA For Improved Rail Connectivity Under MUPT Phase 4

Navi Mumbai: The state government and railways are joining forces to pinpoint rail corridors for development in 'Third Mumbai,' a 323-square-kilometre area near the new Navi Mumbai airport and Atal Setu. The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is responsible for constructing these corridors as part of the fourth phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), which aims to enhance transport infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), according to Hindustan Times.

A senior railway official revealed that MUTP-4 is designed to focus on rail mobility, intending to expand existing rail networks and introduce new routes. Although still in early stages, a consultant will soon be appointed to create a detailed strategy for rail corridors that will support the growth of Karnala-Sai-Chirner (KSC) New Town. This initiative will be developed in collaboration with Cidco, which is overseeing the metro rail network in Navi Mumbai.

MUTP-4 prioritizes improving connectivity between KSC New Town, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai, while also extending local train services to rapidly growing regions. New corridors will be designed to connect with forthcoming metro rail lines and may include access-controlled suburban railway stations similar to metro stations.

Currently, state government and railway officials are finalizing project terms of reference, enabling the hiring of a consultant to draft a comprehensive plan. This initiative highlights a committed effort toward sustainable infrastructural development in the expanding region of 'Third Mumbai.'

A railway official has indicated that developing a plan for new rail infrastructure will take two to three years, including several greenfield rail corridors and stations. In a recent significant collaboration, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth ₹4.07 lakh crore aimed at infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), under the 'Third Mumbai' vision. This initiative seeks to create 'Third Mumbai' as a prominent technology hub with data centers and global capability centers.

To support infrastructure development, the MMRDA has secured non-binding lines of credit from major financial institutions, confirming financing for projects in transport, housing, energy, infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and smart urban development services. An MMRDA official reaffirmed that the new city will focus on green development that meets the demands of a growing population, improving urban livability and aligning with the goal of transforming the MMR into a $300 billion economy by 2030.

Recently, the MMRDA interacted with a Korean delegation to accelerate the Third Mumbai initiative, focusing on smart city development synergies, green mobility solutions, infrastructure modernization, and fintech incubation clusters. Third Mumbai's plans include transit-oriented development zones, technology parks, industrial clusters, and affordable housing, all designed for a sustainable urban environment that promotes economic growth in the region.