Mumbai Metropolitan Region Regional Plan 2016–36 A Blueprint for Balanced Growth

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) Regional Plan 2016–36 provides a long-term framework for planning, land use and infrastructure development across the metropolitan region. Prepared under the guidance of the Mumbai Metropolitan Planning Committee (MMPC), the plan aims to support coordinated and balanced growth across urban, suburban and rural areas of the MMR.

Planning for MMR's Growth Up to 2036

The planning process began after the MMPC was formed in 2009. In June 2010, five study groups were established to assess the region's existing conditions and prepare projections up to 2036.

Based on these studies, MMRDA prepared the Draft Regional Plan 2016–36 and published it for public suggestions and objections under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MR&TP) Act, 1966. Following the consultation process, the modified draft was submitted to the MMPC in October 2017.

Final Regional Plan Gets Government Approval

The Maharashtra government first sanctioned the portion concerning the Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone through a notification dated August 7, 2019, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Regional Plan 2016–36 A Blueprint for Balanced Growth.

The remaining portion of the MMR Regional Plan was subsequently sanctioned by the state government on April 20, 2021. MMRDA states that the Final Regional Plan came into force in June 2021.

The plan also incorporates the expanded MMR boundary. In September 2019, the region was extended to include additional areas of Palghar and Raigad districts, taking the MMR's total area to approximately 6,328 sq. km. 

Key Development Proposals

The Regional Plan provides for several important planning interventions, including:

• Growth Centres to encourage balanced regional development

• Local Growth Centres to support rural development

• Detailed planning proposals for urbanisable zones

• Planning around suburban railway station areas

• Tourism-focused planning for important destinations

• A Regional Information System (RIS) to support planning and research

The sanctioned land-use maps also identify planning components such as proposed railways and major roads, industrial growth centres, regional parks, station-area development, local growth centres and environmentally sensitive areas.

Why the Regional Plan Matters

The Regional Plan is more than a land-use document. It provides a framework for coordinating development across multiple local authorities and planning areas within the MMR.

For a region experiencing rapid expansion around Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Raigad and Palghar, coordinated planning is important for balancing housing, employment, transport, industry, environmental protection and supporting infrastructure.

The Bigger Picture Mumbai Metropolitan Region Regional Plan 2016–36 A Blueprint for Balanced Growth

With major projects such as Navi Mumbai International Airport, Atal Setu, new transport corridors and emerging growth centres reshaping the metropolitan region, the MMR Regional Plan 2016–36 provides an important planning framework for managing this transformation.

The plan's focus on growth centres, transport connectivity, station-area development, industrial zones and environmental considerations reflects the need to develop MMR as a connected metropolitan region rather than as a collection of separate urban areas.