Review of the Draft Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Plan 2016 to 2036

Towards a More Integrated and Implementable Future for the MMR

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is experiencing rapid growth, placing increasing pressure on housing, mobility, infrastructure, and the environment. When the Draft Regional Plan 2016 to 2036 was published, UDRI undertook a detailed review of its planning framework, land use proposals, environmental objectives, and implementation mechanisms. The study identified key gaps and proposed a stronger regional vision supported by clear objectives, practical strategies, and effective governance.

Review of the Draft Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Plan 2016 to 2036

Planning for a Growing Region

The Draft Regional Plan identified challenges including affordable housing, uneven economic development, governance, slum proliferation, and environmental concerns. However, UDRI found that many of these challenges were not translated into clear and implementable strategies.

A stronger Regional Plan needs to connect growth with infrastructure, housing, mobility, environmental protection, and economic development.

Connecting Housing and Mobility

Housing and mobility are central to the future of the MMR. While the Draft Plan proposed expanding public transport, UDRI emphasised the need for better interconnectivity, stronger last mile connections, and shorter travel times.

Future housing growth should also be closely integrated with transport infrastructure to create a more accessible and efficient region.

Protecting the Environment

The Draft Plan recognised the importance of conserving natural areas and reducing waste sent to landfills. However, UDRI found that these objectives lacked clear strategies and implementation mechanisms.

The review called for measurable environmental targets and stronger policies to protect the Region's natural assets and improve climate resilience.

Rethinking Green Zones

A major concern was the proposed classification of Green Zones. Despite their designation, 28 of 31 permitted use classes in Green Zone 1 included uses such as residential development, retail, institutions, offices, industries, warehouses, quarrying, and major transport infrastructure.

UDRI highlighted the risk that extensive development within these zones could significantly reduce the Region's natural and open areas, undermining environmental sustainability.

From Vision to Implementation

The review emphasised that a Regional Plan must be more than a statement of intent. It needs achievable targets, clear strategies, defined responsibilities, and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement.

Learning from previous Regional Plans is equally important. Understanding past implementation gaps can help create a more effective framework for managing future growth.

Looking Ahead

UDRI's review called for a strong, cohesive, and viable vision for the MMR, supported by clear objectives, implementable strategies, and effective governance.

A successful Regional Plan should not simply anticipate growth. It should provide the framework and institutional capacity needed to guide, manage, and sustain that growth across the Region.