Unlocking Mumbai’s Waterfront: Major MPA Land Leases to Transform City’s Eastern Shore

By Ajjay Bhagyakar | Published by Griha Realty

Sources: X.com

Sources: X.com

Mumbai’s iconic Eastern Waterfront is on the cusp of a significant transformation as the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) moves to lease out a string of prime land parcels along the city’s eastern coastline and nearby regions. The move comes as part of a strategic plan to monetize underused port lands and unlock opportunities for industrial and commercial growth while preserving long-term economic value. Unlocking Mumbai’s Waterfront: Major MPA Land Leases to Transform City’s Eastern Shore

Prime Waterfront Plots Open for Lease

In a major development, MbPA has announced the lease of 28 plots spanning more than 217 acres across key locations including Wadala, Sewri, Reay Road, Colaba, Mazgaon, Fort, and Sassoon Dock — along with one parcel near Thal in Raigad district. These lands are being offered on 30-year lease agreements exclusively for industrial and commercial use, with residential development not permitted under the terms.

Among the most notable parcels are:

• A 22-hectare plot near Princess Dock close to the domestic cruise terminal, considered one of the city’s most strategic waterfront locations.

• Former industrial sites in Wadala that once housed the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) facilities.

• Sewri Timber Pond and adjacent cargo yards near the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, earmarked for future commercial and logistics activity.

  
  

This leasing initiative is expected to generate substantial revenue, with projections suggesting the MbPA could raise over ₹800 crore annually, strengthening the port authority’s financial position and encouraging wider economic activity in the region.

Eastern Waterfront Vision: Revival or Pause?

The eastern waterfront — stretching from Sassoon Docks to Wadala along Mumbai’s coastline — has long been eyed for holistic redevelopment that would include promenades, public spaces, marinas, parks, mixed-use zones, and improved public access. A blueprint for this comprehensive waterfront revival was drafted in 2018, but in recent years progress stalled and the project was effectively shelved as MbPA pivoted toward leasing out selected parcels.

While industry observers and real estate developers see enormous potential in tapping this strategic land bank, community leaders and local stakeholders — including the fishing community around Sassoon Docks — have urged that development plans safeguard traditional livelihoods and heritage uses.

Economic and Urban Impact ( Unlocking Mumbai’s Waterfront: Major MPA Land Leases to Transform City’s Eastern Shore )

The decision to open up these waterfront lands for commercial and industrial use could have far-reaching implications for Mumbai’s urban landscape. With private investment and long-term leasing, these sites may attract new business hubs, logistics centers, tech parks and port-related infrastructure — potentially redefining the Eastern Waterfront into a vibrant economic corridor.

However, balancing development with maritime heritage, fishermen’s interests and equitable access for the public will be key to ensuring that the waterfront’s transformation benefits both the local community and the broader economy.