Maharashtra Expands Kharbav Economic Zone; MMRDA Appointed Special Planning Authority

The Maharashtra government has expanded the planning jurisdiction of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), granting it responsibility for several rapidly developing regions across Raigad and Thane districts, as per news reports.  

The move is intended to facilitate coordinated urban development, strengthen infrastructure planning and manage growing land-use demands across emerging residential, industrial and tourism centres within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). 

MMRDA Assigned Oversight of New Development Corridors 

The decision was formalised through two notifications issued by the Urban Development Department on May 19 under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. 

Under the revised framework, MMRDA has been designated as the Special Planning Authority (SPA) for a number of strategically important locations, including Karjat, Neral, Poynad, Alibaug, and the expanded Kharbav Integrated Business Park zone.  

The notified regions also cover several villages situated within Karjat and Alibaug talukas of Raigad district and parts of Ambernath taluka in Thane district. 

The expansion significantly broadens MMRDA’s role in regional planning beyond its existing areas of responsibility. 

Government Targets Structured Urban Expansion 

Officials indicated that the decision is aimed at promoting organised and infrastructure-driven growth in areas that have witnessed increasing development activity in recent years.  

Rising residential demand, industrial investments and tourism-related projects have placed additional pressure on existing planning mechanisms and local authorities. 

By bringing these regions under a single planning authority, the government seeks to improve coordination in land-use planning, infrastructure development and urban management.  

The approach is expected to support long-term development while addressing challenges associated with rapid urbanisation. 

Planning Powers Shift from Existing Authorities 

As part of the restructuring exercise, the Maharashtra government has withdrawn the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) from its planning role in the Alibaug surrounding area. Planning authority for the region has now been transferred entirely to MMRDA. 

The notification further states that all planning authorities currently operating within the identified zones will cease to exercise their functions from the date of publication in the official gazette.  

This effectively consolidates planning and development responsibilities under MMRDA across the notified areas. 

Fresh Development Plans to Be Prepared 

MMRDA has been directed to formulate new development plans and prepare development control regulations for the regions brought under its jurisdiction. These plans will subsequently be submitted to the state government for approval. 

The proposed planning framework is expected to guide future infrastructure projects, land utilisation patterns and urban expansion across some of the fastest-growing parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. 

Read More: Maharashtra Becomes First State to Adopt Bharat Forecast System! 

Conclusion 

The appointment of MMRDA as the Special Planning Authority for multiple growth corridors marks a significant shift in Maharashtra’s urban planning strategy. The move aims to support integrated infrastructure development and ensure more structured growth across emerging economic and residential centres in Raigad and Thane districts. 

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