In a Government Resolution (GR) issued on October 15, the same day the code of conduct came into effect, the state government appointed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) as the New Town Development Authority (NTDA) for the proposed 'Third Mumbai,' located at the Navi Mumbai end of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). According to the GR, MMRDA has been tasked with preparing and publishing detailed Planning Proposals and Development Control & Promotion Regulations for the designated 'Notified Area.' Additionally, the authority has been granted the power to acquire land within this area and has been directed to make necessary budgetary allocations for the land acquisition process. The 'Third Mumbai' primarily comprises areas within the influence zone of the newly inaugurated MTHL. The state government, recognising the significant potential of the project to drive economic development, intends to leverage the benefits expected to arise from the MTHL. MMRDA was officially appointed as the NTDA on December 12 for a 334 sq km area within the MTHL influence zone. With the issuance of the latest GR, the authority is now positioned to take concrete steps toward developing this new urban region. The 'Third Mumbai' covers an area of 324 sq km and includes 124 villages. Of these, 80 villages fall under the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), 33 are part of the Khopta New Town Notified Area, 2 are within the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Plan, and 9 fall under the Raigad Regional Plan.