Maharashtra Approves Surbana Jurong to Develop Third Mumbai: A New Urban Hub
Maharashtra has taken a significant step toward developing “Third Mumbai” by approving the Singapore-based urban planning firm Surbana Jurong as the master planner for the ambitious project. The proposed city is expected to emerge as a major economic and residential hub around the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, helping ease pressure on Mumbai and Navi Mumbai while driving regional development.
Third Mumbai is envisioned as a large-scale urban development project spread across thousands of hectares in the Raigad region of Maharashtra. The city is being planned to support the rapid growth expected around the Navi Mumbai International Airport and other major infrastructure projects coming up in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The project aims to create a modern, sustainable, and well-planned urban ecosystem with residential zones, business districts, industrial clusters, transportation networks, and social infrastructure.
The Maharashtra government has approved Singapore-based Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pvt Ltd as the master planner for the project. The firm is known globally for designing and planning large-scale urban developments, smart cities, and infrastructure projects. Authorities believe the company’s international experience will help create a future-ready city that integrates sustainability, mobility, economic growth, and quality urban living. The appointment marks a significant milestone in moving the project from concept to implementation.
Mumbai continues to face challenges related to population density, housing shortages, traffic congestion, and rising real estate costs. While Navi Mumbai was developed decades ago as an alternative urban center, growing demand has led planners to explore additional expansion opportunities. Third Mumbai is expected to reduce development pressure on Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, create new employment and business opportunities, support airport-led economic growth, attract investments across multiple sectors, and improve regional infrastructure and connectivity. The city is also expected to benefit from major projects such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and upcoming metro and highway networks.
Urban planners view Third Mumbai as one of India’s most significant upcoming city-building projects. If executed successfully, it could become a model for planned urban expansion and smart city development. The project aligns with Maharashtra’s broader vision of creating new growth centers capable of supporting economic activity, industrial development, and rising urban populations over the coming decades.
The Maharashtra government has approved Singapore-based Surbana Jurong as the master planner for the ambitious Third Mumbai project. Planned near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the new city aims to ease pressure on Mumbai, boost economic growth, create jobs, and support sustainable urban development. The project could become one of India’s largest planned city developments in the coming years.
