
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has signed an agreement with Singapore-based consultancy Surbana Jurong to prepare the master plan for the proposed Third Mumbai. The development authority confirmed the move on Saturday, marking a significant step in the region's long-term expansion blueprint.
Surbana Jurong, a global urban development and infrastructure consultancy, will be responsible for shaping the overall framework of the new node. The master plan is expected to guide land use, transport links, and infrastructure rollout for the ambitious project.
Third Mumbai is the working name for a large greenfield urban centre planned within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It is intended to decongest the existing city and its suburbs by creating a new growth pole with residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
The project is part of MMRDA's broader regional plan, which aims to accommodate future population growth and economic activity. Officials have described it as a key component in the region's push towards sustainable, planned urbanisation.
The Singaporean firm brings experience in planning large-scale urban projects across Asia. Its mandate will include preparing a detailed development plan, identifying phased implementation strategies, and recommending infrastructure priorities.
MMRDA officials said the agreement will help bring international best practices to the planning process. The consultancy is expected to work closely with local agencies and stakeholders to align the master plan with regional regulations and ground realities.
Detailed timelines for the preparation of the master plan have not been disclosed yet. The authority is likely to share a roadmap after initial studies are completed.
Observers will be watching how the plan addresses connectivity, environmental concerns, and land acquisition issues. The success of Third Mumbai will depend on how quickly the plan moves from paper to implementation.