The Maharashtra government has unveiled its policy framework for the proposed “Third Mumbai” development, a major urban expansion initiative that is expected to gain significant momentum from the planned New Mumbai-Pune Greenfield Expressway.
Spread across nearly 323.44 square kilometres, the Third Mumbai project will cover 124 villages located in Uran, Panvel and Pen talukas near the influence zone of Atal Setu. Officials said the proposed high-speed corridor by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will serve as a key connectivity route for the upcoming urban and industrial region.
According to reports, the expressway alignment will pass through the Third Mumbai zone, improving access to planned logistics parks, industries, commercial developments and data centre clusters. The state government aims to position the region as a pollution-free economic hub focused on information technology, artificial intelligence, logistics infrastructure and digital services.
Officials stated that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has earmarked around ₹4,000 crore for infrastructure development in the area. Investment firms, including Blackstone, have also shown interest in exploring large-scale investments in the region.
Property consultants estimate that real estate prices in locations such as Ulwe, Dronagiri, Kharghar, Panvel and Chirner-Sai may rise by 25% to 30% over the coming years due to the infrastructure expansion and improved connectivity.
The proposed 130-kilometre expressway, estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore, will begin near the JNPT and Atal Setu region in Navi Mumbai and connect to the Pune Ring Road corridor near Shirke village. The route will include tunnels and elevated sections passing through the Sahyadri ranges.
Once operational, the project is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune to nearly 90 minutes while improving connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and strengthening logistics and industrial networks across Maharashtra.
Source: Pune Pulse
