The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has stepped up efforts to transform urban development along India’s first bullet train route, introducing an ambitious initiative called Project-SMART. Under this plan, Thane and Virar are expected to evolve into major economic centres and multimodal transport hubs along the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.
The initiative focuses on comprehensive development around high-speed rail stations rather than limiting the project to rail connectivity alone. Authorities aim to create “next-generation station cities” where transport infrastructure is integrated with residential spaces, commercial districts and essential civic amenities. The strategy is intended to promote planned urban expansion while unlocking long-term economic opportunities in surrounding areas.
To move the plan forward, MMRDA organised a high-level strategy workshop at its headquarters in Bandra-Kurla Complex. The meeting brought together senior officials and experts from several institutions, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), the Maharashtra State Town Planning and Valuation Department, Thane Municipal Corporation, and the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation.
Experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also participated in the discussions. The workshop was conducted jointly with MoHUA and JICA under an ongoing technical cooperation arrangement aimed at supporting large-scale urban planning initiatives in India.
The discussions focused on preparing integrated master plans for the high-speed rail station zones in Thane and Virar. JICA specialists shared global best practices related to transit-oriented development (TOD), land value capture mechanisms, integrated transport systems, sustainability strategies and ways to encourage private sector participation in government-led urban projects.
Among the 12 stations proposed along the bullet train corridor, four — BKC, Thane, Virar and Boisar — are located in Maharashtra. Under Project-SMART, Thane and Virar are being positioned as key gateways that can drive long-term economic growth through carefully planned, transit-driven urban development.
Following the workshop, Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee chaired a review meeting and instructed officials to prepare time-bound integrated master plans prioritising TOD principles and seamless connectivity. The planning model developed for Thane and Virar is also expected to guide development around BKC and Boisar.
Source: Swarajya
