MMRDA sought SPA for the development of some MMR regions

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed the state government appoint a Special Planning Authority (SPA) for developing some regions in the extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). It is a planning authority for Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Proposed Growth Centre, BackBay Reclamation scheme (BBRS), Bhiwandi Surrounding Notified Area (BSNA), Gorai-Manori-Uttan Recreation and Tourism Development Zone (RTDZ), Grand Memorial of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mumbai International Airport, Oshiwara District Centre (ODC) and Wadala Notified Area. MMRDA has also recognised eight underdevelopment regions, including the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Project Impact Zone, Poynad Region, Boisar Region, Kharbao Region, Neral Region, Pen Region, Karjat Region and Alibaug Region. It was discussed in the 151st meeting, chaired by the Minister of Urban Development, Eknath Shinde, to develop these regions and generate revenue for MMRDA. It was also proposed that the MMRDA will be appointed as the SPA for these regions to help in well-planned development and generate revenue for the projects undertaken by MMRDA. Officials said that the infrastructure projects undertaken by MMRDA in MMR are the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), Virar-Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, Navi Mumbai International Airport and others. The implementation of these projects will increase the possibility of rapid development in these areas. According to an official, it is necessary to develop these areas in a well-planned manner and under the regional development plan of MMR, which was sanctioned in April 2021. The official said that looking at the population of these areas and the development by MMRDA appointed as SPA, a source of revenue will be available for these regions for the implementation of the projects undertaken by MMRDA. According to an MMRDA official, if the state government approves the proposal, MMRDA can develop these areas on the lines of BKC and implement many residential and commercial projects. Image Source Also read: MMRDA to purchase 10 more rakes for Mumbai monorail project Also read: MMRDA approves Rs 101 crore for repairing Ulhasnagar roads