CREDAI-MCHI Vision - MMR

HOME SCHOOLING POLICY Providing every child subsidised or free
Every child has a right to education. However, educational material, internet access, and
many of MMR’s slum kids do not have adequate computers - either at a personal level or the
infrastructure and support to exercise this community school level - teachers and access
right. Though Mumbai has several Government to examinations and certifications could be
schools, kids are often pulled out of education a great start. A predefined Government-
due to poverty and related hurdles. The approved curriculum could also kick start
pandemic has further compounded these the home-schooling revolution. There is also
issues, with recent reports suggesting that scope and need for subsidised private tutoring,
around 1,900 children quit school in the Mumbai either in subjects that would get kids certified
Metropolitan Region amid the pandemic. at Government or affiliated examinations or in
Access to the internet and enabled phones, subjects and skills that would help them in job
books, learning aids, fees, etc., peaked during readiness.
the pandemic when job cuts and extreme
poverty became commonplace. By issuing unique identification numbers and
a platform for centrally tracking achievement,
The home-schooling system of education could results, and other scores, a holistic ecosystem
be one potential solution to this problem. The for home-schooled children can be created in
system has been tried and tested in many iterations, introducing a sustainable system that
countries abroad and, with the proper support, works for slum kids and their circumstances
complemented by community schools and skills instead of slowly pushing them out of education.
trucks, its flexibility could be just what Mumbai’s
underprivileged kids need to stay in education
and pursue a better future. However, while
the home-schooling system abroad relies on
parents and family members being educated, in
Mumbai’s context, there needs to be tweaks and
workarounds for the method to work. To begin
with, most underprivileged parents in Mumbai
are not formally educated, which restricts their
growth and financial prospects. However, they
understand the value of education and want to
provide some foundational education to their
children. This willingness needs to be leveraged
and fuelled.

88

6.3

Mobility

BETTER USE OF RAILWAYS LANDS freeing up illegally encroached areas, there is
scope for improved usage of railway lands.
After the Ministry of Defence, Indian Railways This includes integrated development of public
is the second-largest owner of land in the utilities such as gas, electricity, water supply,
country. The Railways owns about 4780 sqm telecom cable, sewage disposal, drains, optical
of land, of which 30% - 510 sqm - lies vacant. fibre cables, pipelines, roads, flyovers, bus
The Mumbai railways network is spread over terminals, urban transport, etc.
390 km, so there is significant railway land in
Mumbai. However, very little Railway land lies A Public-private partnerships model can
empty due to systemic encroachment by slum also convert the land into schools, hospitals,
dwellers. It is estimated that there are a total of parks, and other public utilities. Renewable
24500 unauthorised structures on railway land energy generators like solar plants or charging
in Mumbai. In addition, illegal occupants are said infrastructure for electric vehicles are also viable
to have encroached up nearly 57 hectares of options besides operating sewage and water
land, including the safety zone, which is crucial treatment facilities. Planning and providing
for future expansion. Living conditions in these adequate public utilities by reducing rail land
illegal structures and slums near the railways encroachment can help to significantly improve
are often unhygienic and unhealthy. Mumbai residents’ quality of life, boosting social
and economic growth and mental and physical
If the city could provide adequate, affordable well-being.
housing to accommodate these slum dwellers,

Images for representational purpose

89

MONO-LINES FOR INTER-CITY congest roads, cause traffic, and delay journeys.
CONNECTIVITY As a result, ridership is decreasing even with the
The Mumbai Monorail project was a pioneering introduction of AC buses for added comfort.
public transport experiment. While its planning Despite the massive overcrowding of trains,
and execution have caused many hues and commuters in Mumbai prefer train travel
cries, the concept of monorails for last-mile solely because of predictability in travel time.
connectivity has immense promise. Proper Monorails could combine this predictability, last-
utilisation of monorails could help reduce traffic mile network, and comfort to offer commuters
on Mumbai’s choked road network by lowering a better option to navigate the city. Connecting
the number of single-passenger vehicles on the monorail to other vital infrastructures like
the road. In addition, the elevated network of the railway network, the metro rail network,
monorail lines can maximise space utilisation in trans-harbour link, the coastal road, etc., could
the city without using much surface area. ease overall traffic issues and provide a seamless
travel experience for Mumbai’s estimated 7.5
BEST, Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply & million daily commuters.
Transport, has over 367 bus routes with
over 3500 stops. Though this extensive bus
network provides excellent mid- and last-mile
connectivity throughout the city, it is known to

90

DEDICATED CYCLE CORRIDOR
Globally, there is a growing push for short-distance trips of 0-3 km to be
converted to cycling trips. Due to daily short-distance motor journeys,
Mumbai’s commuters face environmental impact and traffic congestion
issues. Studies have found a considerable cycling population in the city, most
of whom use cycles for commutes and livelihood, in addition to a small
minority that uses cycles for recreational purposes. Even without proper
infrastructure and facilities, cycle users are growing. Especially with the
sudden boom in last-mile deliveries, cycles are becoming a popular mode of
transport for the urban poor. Better infrastructure such as dedicated cycling
tracks, road safety awareness initiatives, public bike-sharing programs, public
bike parking, and subsidies on bikes and safety gear can pull more people to
use cycles. Lowering speed limits on high-traffic roads and managing inter-
junction traffic better can provide additional safety and security to cyclists.

91

METROS AS THE NEW LIFELINE as traffic congestion issues will not be resolved.
Instead, encroachment of areas under stations
The Mumbai Metro project is a rapid transit by hawkers and illegal occupants will only
system connecting Mumbai with its suburbs. compound the problem. To be cost-effective
It is also expected to improve connectivity and accessible to people who need it the
within the city’s commercial and popular hubs, most, Mumbai Metro will have to find ways to
easing the strain on roads and existing railway incorporate subsidies for eligible individuals. In
networks. The system is currently being built in addition, it must be well-integrated within the
phases, and when completed in around 2026, city’s larger urban mobility plan, with adequate
Mumbai Metro will span roughly 350 km with connectivity to last-mile options.
underground and elevated lines servicing 286
stations. It will be a much-needed support Making the capital-intensive metro cost-
system for the railways and a more affordable, effective and financially viable in the long run
green alternative to personal cars and other might be a massive challenge. However, it could
motorised vehicles. significantly improve how people today and in
the future experience the city and commute
While the system might provide an excellent, across regions for business and leisure.
comfortable commute experience, it is expected
to be expensive. If the underserved population
cannot afford the metro, it is just another vanity
metric for the city. If this consideration prevents
the system from being introduced in the most
populous low-income areas, connecting them
to business districts where this population
moves to and from daily, its purpose is defeated

92

WATER TRANSPORT populated locales relatively quickly. Water
taxi systems from Belapur to Elephanta exist.
Water transport in Mumbai has a rich history. However, connecting to south Mumbai from
Cutting travel time to Europe from five Belapur would make daily commutes easy and
months to one and a half months, Mumbai quick if the service is affordable.
built its first streamer in 1830 and opened up
a transportation route. However, today, water Especially with the new airport coming up in
transport is one of the least explored avenues in Panvel, there will be much movement to Navi
the city. The few existing options are not viable Mumbai from all over the city. Therefore, the
from a commuting point of view; they are seen Belapur-Ulwe creek must be leveraged while
more as leisure and experiential perspectives. also creating connections between Ferry Wharf
With growing infrastructure congestions due or Bhaucha Dhakka in south Mumbai to Nerul
to overpopulation in the city, road traffic, and in Navi Mumbai. This will enable commuters
overcrowding in trains, there is a pressing need to travel between the two regions in 30-40
to develop an environmentally sustainable and minutes, instead of a train journey or road
responsible transportation system. Since there travel time of at least 1 hour.
is no possibility of expanding Mumbai’s land
mass, water-based transportation is one of the Not only can waterways be used for
most viable yet untapped alternatives. transport, but they can also offer great value
from a tourism perspective. It will also be an
Cities around the world with similar geography impetus to rejuvenate Mumbai’s creeks and
as Mumbai have explored inland water transport shores, besides making Mumbai a pioneer in
as a solution to easing commute and saving water-based transportation technologies and
time and fuel spent in the process. Mumbai, innovations.
too, has plans of its own. There is a 2030
Maritime India Vision, which seeks to develop
passenger movement in inland waterways. This
includes several high-population nodes like
Thane, Vashi, Ulwe, Belapur, Nerul, Nariman
Point, Bandra, Juhu, Versova, Marve Beach,
etc. Though the Thane-Vashi creek will require
considerable dredging due to heavy silt, a
hovercraft could connect the two densely

93

INTEGRATED NEIGHBOURHOOD the lives of suburban residents and go a long
way in developing these new suburban hubs
As Mumbai’s population increases, more to attract business opportunities, making them
people are forced to settle on the city’s self-sufficient, integrated neighbourhoods in
outskirts, such as Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, Vasai, the future.
etc., to find affordable housing. This implies
daily long commutes to the city centre for The Mumbai Trans Harbor Link, better
work and business purposes. However, these known as the Sewri-Nhava Sheva link, is
commutes are often highly time-consuming via being constructed to connect Mumbai with
road with very little predictability or intensely Navi Mumbai. However, if it is an expensive
uncomfortable because of overcrowded option, like the Bandra-Worli sea link, it will
trains and buses. Therefore, there should be be unviable for most daily commuters to use.
a churning to create quick, comfortable, and Also, using the bridge would mean travelling by
affordable means of road transport for such private vehicles or buses, which could also be
long-distance commutes. a restrictive factor for the urban poor. Making
transport methods expensive or unaffordable
Moreover, several improvements are required will further complicate the connectivity issue
for road connectivity to be fast, efficient, and and play a counterproductive role in creating
convenient. First and foremost is the quality Integrated Neighbourhood.
of roads; potholes and shoddy repair work
caused over 522 accidents in 2018. Then Waterways can be leveraged as an affordable
comes the concern of improving connection commute option. For instance, inexpensive
to new suburban centres like Vashi, Kalyan- water taxis and domestic cruises to Alibaug,
Dombivili corridor, Thane, Shilphata, etc. Kalyan, Belapur, and Vasai could make the
Additionally, the Government must undertake commute more accessible and promote
studies to determine high-traffic points in the tourism, a significant income generator for the
city currently dealing with connectivity issues. city.

Providing new or improved roads to ease these
connectivity issues could significantly improve

94

95

7

Robust Institutional
Framework for Sustainable
Urban Development

Urbanisation and environmental challenges force cities to develop
eco-friendly metropolitan areas as part of their political agendas.
At the same time, economic downturns forced Governments to
take a more passive role, allowing private investments to flourish.
However, the concept of sustainable urban development has not
yet taken the world by storm. As a result, private parties are less
inclined to participate in environmentally friendly urban development
because they see more disadvantages than advantages. A significant
factor is the uneven distribution of costs and revenue due to concerns
about finance, risks, and complexity. Nevertheless, it is possible to
implement vital tools to make sustainable urban development more
appealing by bridging these concerns.

Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from real estate
and the constructed environment account for 40 per cent of energy
consumption and 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, respectively.
As a result, the real estate industry and the built environment play a
crucial role in addressing climate change. However, as construction
increases massively in emerging economies and built environments
become inefficient worldwide, greenhouse gas emissions from
buildings could double within 20 years if nothing is done. Therefore,
to achieve sustainable goals, actors within the building sector must
take on the challenge of creating more sustainable built environments.

96

7.1

Unified Urban Water Authority

It would be a bright idea for the Maharashtra uthorityUrban Water A
Government to establish an Integrated Urban
Water Authority (IUWA) that will regulate urban Government of Maharasht
freshwater, wastewater, and salinewater. Such Unified
a mechanism will not only streamline water
management but also address the problem of ra
wastewater more efficiently. In addition, the
IUWA should function as the nodal agency for
rejuvenating water bodies, and it should play
a key role in addressing the water shortage
and water-logging crisis along with managing
the STP in Mumbai. We estimate that Mumbai
should have at least 50 more STPs ward-
wise. Moreover, there may also be a need for
hundreds of small, mobile STPs near the rivers.

The city can create more efficient water
management through an integrated water
authority by being in charge of the entire
water cycle, from rainwater collection to
purification and supply, from treating used
water and reusing it as high-quality recycled
water. Further, it should set a five-year goal for
becoming a water surplus city.

IUWA should follow a model for sustainable
water management that takes a broader view of
water management with an ambitious proposal
called ABC Waters (Active, Beautiful, Clean).
By integrating multiple water authorities into
one, Mumbai will be able to manage water
more closely with its urban environment.

97

7.2

Water Credit System

The water crisis is intensifying worldwide;
however, Mumbai can avoid a severe crisis
by introducing ‘water credits’ in the same way
as ‘carbon credits. The water credit concept
encourages companies and individuals to adopt
water-saving measures. With a credit system,
water becomes a tradable commodity enabling
a mitigation system against water overuse
pollutants discharged to a certain threshold.
Users may also be able to sell unused or
unwanted credits to other users. Such a
proposition will reduce water contamination in
the environment and maximise the efficiency of
water usage in each process.

A water credit system not only rewards but people only become cautious when resources
also allows companies/individuals/institutions have a monetary value. Therefore, the water
to purchase extra credit from the open market credit system should also include mechanisms
for additional usage while, at the same time, for water footprints and water audits on a
they may also get free credits for saving/treating ward-by-ward basis, in addition to regulating
/recyling in their usage. A credit is equivalent water credit and water tariffs. Furthermore, it
to 1000 litres, and every sector/area will have should become mandatory for each company
a quota of water credits based on industry to disclose its volume of freshwater used for
usage. Consumers or industries that have not production activities, its volume of recycled
used their water quotas can sell them as water water consumption, and its commitment to
credits. reducing its water footprint within a specified
timeframe. Furthermore, MCGM must track
The commodification of water may sound a the quantity and quality of water and pollutants
bit elitist, but history shows that it is the only discharged into aquatic environments and
way to improve the ‘value’ of any object. The sewage systems by each sector in the MMR
centre and state Governments have spent region.
hundreds of crores of rupees to sensitise
people about the importance of justified use
of all resources, including water. However,

98

7.3

Recycling Policy

With its rapid growth, high density, and sheer size,
Mumbai’s waste management system faces significant
challenges. Large-scale, technologically driven “solutions”
are tempting because of the amount of waste generated in
the city. However, a decentralized, people-driven
waste management approach has proven
successful. The only way to ensure the
sustainability of MMR is through a circular
economy. It can be accomplished in three
ways: using resources responsibly,
recycling materials, and reusing
them. In the earlier
chapters, we discussed
Mumbai’s world-class
recycling ecosystem, Dharavi,
which has become a $ 1
billion circular economy. It is
possible to turn Asia’s largest
slum into a green lung by
eliminating the pollution caused
by cars, plastic packaging, building
and construction, electronics, and
steel and aluminium. Consequently, the
city needs a recycling policy to stimulate over
250,000 rack-pickers, 5000 businesses, and 15,000 single-
room factories. Nevertheless, it is possible to transform a
small portion of Dharavi into a state-of-the-art recycling
park with the right policy and assistance.

99

THE RECYCLING POLICIES MUST In addition to gradually reducing the use of
COVER THE BELOW KEY ASPECT virgin materials, the policy should also promote
the recycling, construction and demolition of
Recycling participation waste. Aiming to make public procurement
This policy section should encourage materials for civil construction at least 30%
waste generators to source separate recycled by 2025, it should recommend codes
trash items for collection and recycling. and standards for the quality of secondary raw
It is commonly called “mandatory materials.
recycling.” When mandatory recycling
is done, it is necessary to sort waste BENEFITS OF RECYCLING
clearly from the source.
l The number of landfills and
Recycling Service Provision incinerators that receive waste is
In this section, it is imperative that the reduced
policy focuses on the responsibility
of local authorities, non-profit l Ensures the conservation of natural
organisations, Rack-Pickers, Dharavi, resources, such as timber, water,
and private players. The focus should and minerals
be on establishing an ecosystem
in which each party defines its l Utilises domestic resources to
responsibilities and provides recycling increase economic security
services.
l Reducing the need to collect new
Targets/Goals for Recycling raw materials reduces pollution
In this section, the policy should set an
action plan for recycling that outlines l Saves energy
the city’s recycling goals. In other l Conserves valuable resources and
words, how and when will 100 per
cent recycling and reuse be achieved? supports Indian manufacturing
In addition, it would be helpful if some l Contributes to the creation of jobs
prohibition clauses were included,
such as a blanket ban on the disposal in the manufacturing and recycling
of recyclable waste in landfills (plastic, industries
metal, glass, paper, cardboard, and
biodegradable waste).

100

7.4

Digitalisation of Mumbai

With digitalisation, Mumbai can relieve stress on overstretched
resources and services. It is possible to manage and
optimize the city’s underlying infrastructure layer by integrating
data from the Internet of Things (IoT). Besides facilitating efficient
governance, digitalisation will also decrease resource consumption
and enable robust communication between the city and its
citizens. For example, the Government can use analytical tools
and data infrastructure to improve planning. As a result, cities can
operate more efficiently, provide better service, and lower costs.
Data, sensors, and computing offer many possibilities that were
unimaginable a few decades ago. In addition, urban populations are

growing, and digitalisation is a way to minimize urban
ecological footprints and ensure efficient city
operations.

Mumbai can create healthier urban
environments by using technology more
effectively. Through digitalisation, cities
can reduce CO2 emissions by 15% to

30%, energy consumption by 15%,
and traffic congestion by 30%.
In addition, they facilitate the
delivery of services in cities far
more efficiently. It is estimated
that more than 80% of the
Australian population will
access Government services
via digital channels within a
few years.

101

WAY FORWARD

l Mumbai needs to promote an urban start-up ecosystem and
connect these start-ups to existing urban challenges to drive
digitalisation.

l A shift to digitalisation means power moving from Mumbai to
far-away platform companies.

l There is a need for an integrated data strategy in Mumbai.

l It is imperative for the city administration to facilitate digital
transitions while also thinking more deeply about the social and
ethical implications of data and digital technology.

l In order to take full advantage of digital technologies in health
care, new collaborations between players like hospitals and
elderly homes are required.

l In order to engage with a growing number of digital civic
innovators, cities must invest heavily in having digitally savvy
and socially aware staff.

l Every urban body needs to have a chief data and technology
officer.

l Online and offline accessibility is a must for all public services.

102

7.5

Green Bank for Clean Mumbai
To make the city carbon neutral by 2070,

MCGM and Maharashtra should introduce
a green bank to fund sustainable projects. The
Maharashtra Government and MCGM must
recognise the need for affordable, long-term
financing to meet Mumbai’s renewable energy
targets. A mission-driven green bank for
Mumbai will use innovative financing options
to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral
city and fight climate change. An investment
return on the Green Bank’s loan will be the
same as a regular bank’s loan for clean energy.
By combining public and private money, green
banks can fund projects while taking a smaller
amount of public funds.

103

As the name suggests, green banking is the Using green bank financing methods reduces
practice of a bank that is committed to the capital costs and makes capital more accessible
environment. Inclusive banking strategies and affordable for sustainable and clean projects.
contribute to sustainable development. It results in more cost-effective, sustainable
By promoting environment-friendly projects. The Government saves money by
investments or lending primarily to sectors replacing dirty, polluting infrastructure and
or industries that are non-polluting or eco- energy sources, and developers and investors
friendly. Green banking promotes financial can build more projects.
sustainability. India has two primary federal
drivers of clean energy development: Investing in local low-carbon and climate-
Government grants and tax credits. Typically, resilient infrastructure will be crucial to the
they are Government-owned or quasi-public success of the green banks in Maharashtra.
banks that utilise private money to fund The Government must chart a clear roadmap
various projects after taking a set amount of to maximise investment impact. This is done
Government money to launch. In the same way by helping identify a pipeline of projects
as private banks, green banks expect to be paid and often by reducing perceived and actual
back. project risk. It should also strive to create an
inclusive green economy by creating jobs and
Green banks do not use grants; they use ensuring that disadvantaged communities can
financing. Financing indicates that a green bank access affordable energy upgrades and waste
will eventually return or recoup its capital, management systems.
maximizing the impact of every penny invested.
Due to this approach, green banks invest in
markets that have the potential for profitability.
Generally, this refers to projects that have
passed the stage of research and development
and are technically viable. In addition, it is
possible to finance other market development
activities concurrently.

104

7.6

MMR Infrastructure Investment
Fund Board (MMRIIFB)

Both state Government and local bodies must address infrastructure needs effectively
through sound policies and initiatives while infrastructure needs continue to grow and
evolve. The MMR Infrastructure Investment Fund Board’s constitution is crucial in this regard,
which will lead to:

ROLE OF MMRIIFB
A. Analyze the infrastructure requirements of vital sectors and identify critical gaps.
B. Under the MMRIIF Act, create a body corporate titled MMRIIFB.
C. Assist the Administrative Departments in developing infrastructure by collaborating

with State/Central Public Sector Agencies.

105

CONSTITUTION OF MMRIIFB Alternative finance models are imperative for
completing the ongoing and upcoming mega
l Hon’ble Chief Minister – Chairperson infrastructure projects in MMR on time. The
financial crisis and global uncertainties have led
l Hon’ble Minister for Finance – to stricter regulations on banks and their lending
Vice-Chairperson requirements, which means that traditional
debt alone cannot fund infrastructure projects.
l Chief Secretary to Government – Therefore, it is also necessary to consider and
Member implement more innovative funding methods,
including project bonds.
l CEO
In addition to offering superior risk-adjusted
l Vice-Chairman State Planning Board returns, project bonds offer institutional
– Member investors the opportunity to participate in
infrastructure projects through listed, tradeable
l MCGM Commissioner – Member securities. As a result, European market
volatility has not slowed down the growth of
l MMRDA Commissioner – Member corporate bond markets. This is because using
corporate bonds to fund infrastructure projects
l SRA Commissioner – Member will further boost the economy.

l CIDCO Commissioner – Member Nigeria and Kenya are African countries that
have successfully implemented project bonds.
l Secretary (Law) – Member There is a growing institutional investor
base in both countries. Corporate bonds are
l Secretary (Finance) – Member tax-exempt in Nigeria, while infrastructure
bonds are specifically exempt in Kenya, which
l Secretary (Finance Resources) – encourages their use as alternative funding.
Member
Project Bonds aims to offer infrastructure
l Seven independent members who projects an alternative source of debt funding.
are experts who have worked in an Maharashtra can reduce project funding costs
institution of national repute in one by accessing the institutional bond market.
or more of the areas of Finance, Using bonds, project developers can access
Banking, Economics fund through assets managed by MMRIIF.
Furthermore, sovereign wealth funds will
MMRIIFB will channel funds for large public invest directly in infrastructure projects, which
infrastructure projects critical to the MMR may also provide an additional funding source
region. Through financial instruments approved for future capital projects of MMR.
by the Securities & Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI),
the Board can mobilize and channel funds for
physical and social infrastructure. As a result, the
development work will continue to happen in
a planned, hassle-free and sustainable manner,
including significant land acquisition needs that
are integral to development, ensuring overall
prosperity and wellbeing.

106

7.7

SPV for Port
Land Development
The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), which owns the largest bank of commercially

exploitable land banks worth thousands of crores in the country’s financial capital,
has come up with a redevelopment plan that focuses on developing sea tourism and
seawater transportation. However, it may be time to shift the role of MbPT from
a Portland Manager to a Coast-City Development Authority. By repurposing land
on the city’s eastern waterfront, Mumbai can unlock the real estate land value and
rejuvenate the city. However, collaboration and coordination between stakeholders
are essential to the successful redevelopment of portland. Of course, the central
Government is the primary stakeholder, but redevelopment of such a massive parcel
of land would not be possible without the Maharashtra Government and the MCGM.

107

Currently, MbPT has no concrete plan for executing its
development propaganda. In addition, the implementation
itself would be challenging for them in the future as the real
challenge for implementing the Port’s development will be
funding. In the current situation, builders and other real estate
stakeholders are in dire straits due to the prevailing funding
crisis. Therefore, we recommend a Special Purpose Vehicle
(SPV) for the redevelopment, which will plan, evaluate,
appraise, approve, and release funds.
There will be a full-time CEO, and members of the Central
Government, State Government, and Urban Bodies will
constitute the Board of the SPV. To make redevelopment
self-sustainable, the States/ULBs should provide a dedicated
and substantial revenue stream to the SPV to develop its
creditworthiness to raise additional funds. An SPV incorporating
under the Companies Act 2013 will have Union, State, and
MCGM as promoters holding 50:30:20 shares in equity. The
private sector or financial institutions can also take equity in
SPV, provided the shareholding pattern is preserved, and the
Union-State-MCGM retains majority ownership.

Source: HCP

108

8

Our Call to Action: Key
Recommendations for MMR

Source: HCP

109

8.1

Port Land To Financial City

Globally, port cities are revitalising their officials began exploring possible uses for
decrepit and underutilised docklands. Melbourne docklands when bigger ships could
However, the Mumbai Port Trust, which owns no longer dock there. Over the past decade,
most of Mumbai’s waterfront, has yet to initiate 200 hectares of land have become home
a development plan. Redeveloping the Port to residences, amusement parks, shopping
Lands offers a unique opportunity to re-invent centres, restaurants, and entertainment
our city by creating the much-needed public complexes.
infrastructure, utilities, and public spaces we
sorely lack. Regenerating this land and giving it With Mumbai Port Trust, 900 ha of land is
back to the town requires an immediate action available for development. However, a joint
plan. It is common for major cities to plan and legislative framework between the state and
carefully develop their waterfronts. the centre is essential for its development.
Ideally, the SPV should be able to re-possess
Despite being the busiest port in the country these lands, and the financial model should
in 1825, the New York port quickly declined in implement redevelopment through Public
the 1980s. Most shipping activities had moved Private Partnerships. Underutilised land offers a
to new locations, and its piers had deteriorated. historic opportunity to meet the city’s massive
A 10-year development plan brought on the space shortage owing to its extreme shortage
landfill from the World Trade Center. There are of built space. Additionally, it would boost the
now residential buildings, commercial offices, local economy and provide the city with much-
ice rinks, and hotels on the 93-acre Battery needed social and recreational amenities.
Park City. CREDAI-MCHI proposes a new financial hub

The second example of the redevelopment
of dockland is Canary Wharf in London.
Twenty years ago, Canary Wharf was Europe’s
largest regeneration project. As part of the
development, there was a need to install
significant new infrastructure. This included
a light railway system, a dual carriageway and
a subway line, the Jubilee line, that opened in
1999. Planners, developers and Government

110

on this waterfront, which will integrate the Port to develop the waterfront area as a tourist and
Financial city with the cluster development of recreational zone. This will include attractions
nearby city centres such as Sewri, Lalbaug, such as the Mumbai Eye, tourist ferry services,
Byculla, Mazagon, Dongri and Bhendi Bazaar. cruises, and ropeways to Elephanta Caves.
Besides protecting heritage structures such as
HCP has prepared a master plan for 500 ha Sewri Fort and Ghadiyal Godi (Clock Tower),
(approximately) of portland. the project will also conserve mudflats and
mangroves that are home to flamingos.
There are also plans to develop a new Additionally, the development will provide
financial centre, a Government office, hotels, multiple east-west connections between
and commercial and residential properties Mumbai and MPC and the Eastern Waterfront.
near the proposed metro line and existing
suburban railway stations. There are also plans

111

Map Credit : Studio POD Vision for Port Lands Neighbourhoods

• T o create unique and aesthetic spaces
that are functional and aesthetic for our
city, we have analysed the historical,
cultural, and ecological characteristics of 12
neighbourhoods.

• O ur recommendation is to redevelop the
New Nadkarni Park as a mixed-use area to
rehabilitate Project Affected Persons.

• O n the edge of the Sewri mudflats, we
envision a vibrant tourist and cultural
district, a flamingo sanctuary, and a
mangrove conservation site.

• C reating education and sports facilities for
Mumbai’s children will provide them with
space to learn and excel. Haji Bunder, Hay
Bunder and Cotton Green can be locations
for these facilities. In addition, it is necessary
to build a new university in Port Lands,
focusing on creating a next-generation
economy.

• A vocational training hub is our vision for
Lakdi Bunder.

• I t is time to transform Darukhana from
a toxic ship-breaking yard into a vibrant
water sports facility.

• W e should renovate Ferry Wharf and
Bhaucha Dhakka into a modern coastal
ferry passenger terminal for public
transportation.

• W e should revive and convert Princes Dock
into a ship repair facility and Victoria Dock
into a marina.

• T he Elphinstone Estate should emerge
as Mumbai’s innovation hub and feature
incubation spaces for new entrepreneurs.

Input from Apli Mumbai

112

8.2

Turning Gas Chamber into
Clean In-City Warehousing

Monitoring stations in Mumbai have by the environmental group Greenpeace, the
observed high concentrations of NO2 city’s largest source of nitrogen oxides is the
during 2010-2020, exceeding the maximum Chembur-Trombay area, which has a power
permissible annual concentration of 40 µg/ plant, refineries and a fertiliser factory.
m3. From 2010 to 2018, NO2 concentrations
steadily increased. Most NO2 pollution comes Mahul, a heavily industrialised area of the city’s
from small and medium-scale industries, eastern suburbs, has been one of the most
petroleum refineries, and dump sites. In a study affected areas of the Chembur-Trombay zone.

113

Nearly 7,000 residents of Mahul have had to
relocate since 2017 as they were living too
close to the Tansa pipeline. In addition, due
to Mahul’s air pollution, they are experiencing
respiratory illnesses, kidney problems, and
lung infections today.

Our MMR Clean Air Action Plan calls for the
phasing out of polluting industries in the city by
2030 through relocation, structural adjustment,
and shutting down. As long as companies take
good care of the affected employees, industrial
relocations can reduce carbon emissions

and improve air quality. However, we must
keep some common principles in completing
such relocations to make the program more
demonstrably successful over time.

Assessment Metrics for Relocation
• Existing Condition: Effective and

experienced teams must review plant
conditions, maintenance practices, test
records, visual inspection to determine the
real residual life of the plant.

• Local Conditions: It may not be feasible
to relocate large structures such as storage
tanks, underground tanks and other
heavy machinery, so a proper recyling and
scrapping ecosystem is required within the
city.

• Financial Conditions: In summary,
relocating an existing facility at Chembur-
Trombay is costly and complex. However,
better logistics, engineering and project
management can resolve the relocation
challenge.

114

8.3

Rationalisation of Premium for
Affordable Housing

Unless the Government takes some of our comparative analysis of all metropolises,
accommodating measures, affordable CREDAI-MCHI has noticed that developers
housing won’t be feasible in Mumbai. In the in Mumbai end up paying 50-60% more in
financial capital, affordable housing is impossible premiums than developers elsewhere.
due to land prices and input costs. As a result

RCeITsYi d-We nIStEi aAlP-PRAOrVeAaL sEtCaOt-Se YmSeTnEtMs

Mumbai Chennai Bangalore Hyderabad Delhi Pune Ahmedabad
10,000
Particulars ( Area Statement) 10,000 Residential Sqmts
500
Plot Area (sqmts) (assumed road width of 13.40 m 9,500 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
Less: Amenity Area (sqmts) 1.00 500
Net Plot Area (sqmts) 0.50 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 9,500 10,000
Permissible FSI 1.50 3.25 3.25 5.20 2.50 1.10 1.80
Permissible Premium FSI 1.30 0.50 2.2
Total FSI from ULB 14,250 4.55 3.25 5.20 2.50 1.60 4.00
Total permissible BUA (sqmts) 4,988 32,500 52,000 25,000
Add: Fungible FSI (sqmts) 19,238 45,500 15,200 40,000
Total FSI + Premium FSI + Fungible (sqmts) 2,280 9,120
Area of Inclusive Housing to be provided (sqmts) 1,00,000 45,500 32,500 52,000 25,000 24,320 40,000
Land RR Rate (per sqmt) 1.92
Total FSI from ULB + Fungible 36,060 30,000 648 1,60,000 28,860 35,000
4.55 3.25 5.20 2.50 2.43 4.00

115

Developers can make projects viable by For example, Mumbai real estate developers
reducing premiums, while homebuyers can incur an average of 1/3 of their total project
enjoy lower home purchase costs due to fewer costs in premiums. One noteworthy example
development costs and funding issues. is a developer in Bandra who had to pay BMC a
premium of approximately Rs 6 crore for a plot
Mumbai collects 22 premiums under various of land worth Rs 5 crore.
headings, including FSI, staircases, lift wells,
lobbies, etc. This is significantly higher It would make sense for the Government to
compared to other top cities in the country. reintroduce the 50% discount scheme in this
For example, the developers in Bengaluru context. In the wake of the scheme, BMC
pay ten different premiums and charges, the has received a record sum of close to Rs
developers in Delhi pay five, and the developers 12,000 crore. All Municipal Corporations, the
in Hyderabad pay just three. As a result of the MHADA, and the SRA have benefited from the
current market environment of compromised concessions and the building industry. This is a
liquidity, premiums can act as crippling factors. win-win situation for all stakeholders.

CITY-WISE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PREMIUM

Mumbai Chennai Bangalore Hyderabad Delhi Pune Ahmedabad
Suburbs 10,000
Particulars Sqmts Residential Sqmts
Total Area 10,000
Total FSI (Premium + Fungible) sq mtrs 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
Total ULB and Governement Premiums
Per sq mtr Charges 19,237.50 45,000 32,500 52,000 25,000 24,320 40,000

` 104.31 Cr. ` 24.87 Cr. ` 3.72 Cr. ` 5.57 Cr. ` 0.15 Cr. ` 13.77 Cr. ` 32.40 Cr.

` 54,221.56 ` 5,466.86 ` 1,145.04 ` 1,071.46 ` 58 ` 5,660.06 ` 8,101.20

Cities Amount payable to How much Mumbai is
ULB/Government expensive then other cities
Mumbai
Chennai 54,221.56 9.92
Bangalore 5,466.86 47.35
Hyderabad 1,145.04 50.61
Delhi 1,071.46 934.85
Pune 58 9.58
Ahmedabad 5,660.06 9.58
8,101.20

116

8.4

Dedicated Skill Ecosystem

Every year, 12-15 million new workers join India’s workforce,
but only a few have formal skill training. A World Bank
study found that only 4% of Indian workers are adequately
skilled, compared with 42% in the United States, 76% in
Germany, 80% in Japan, and 96% in South Korea. A lack of
training in the real estate sector has negatively impacted its
growth in India. The lack of skill development opportunities
can be a stumbling block in our rapidly evolving economy.
The Indian construction and real estate sectors can potentially
create about ten crore jobs in the next few years. However,
several challenges prevent the country from filling these jobs
due to its inadequate skilling ecosystem and talent pool.

117

SKILLING THE SLUM DWELLERS: JOINT INITIATIVE BY CREDAI-MCHI

With the Maharashtra Government’s We will use a collaborative approach to train
cooperation, CREDAI-MCHI- can establish and facilitate their placement once they have
skilling and livelihood centres at seven slum finished the training to impart skilling programs
clusters of Mumbai to train urban poor youth to youths. Several brands from the construction
in soft and technical skills and facilitate their industry’s electrical, paints, furniture, cement,
placement in construction and real estate. steel, and other supply chains will partner
Young men and women from the Mumbai with the SRA department to implement the
Slums will benefit from short-term, often programme. In addition, through its placement
community-based courses of 2 to 3 months. cell, this project will organise stipend ships
In addition to strong industry connections and and job placements with various real estate
youth counselling, the model will emphasise companies.
hands-on skills training.
DEDICATED REAL ESTATE SKILL TRUST
BRINGING ONE LAKH MUMBAI SLUM (REST)
DWELLERS INTO REAL ESTATE SECTOR
The Real Estate Skill Trust (REST) will fund and
Students will learn about construction aid the skilling ecosystem through developer
(electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, partners. By offering tailor-made and sector-
masonry, and welding), hospitality specific skilling programs, the REST will
(housekeeping, food production, food service, enhance, stimulate, and develop the skilling
and automotive mechanics), healthcare nursing, ecosystem for real estate. Various developers,
and beauty services. Furthermore, students will Government bodies, and donors/ contributors
learn English, computer literacy, enterprise and will contribute to the REST. In addition to being
life skills, graphic design, and industry-specific a non-profit organisation, the REST will have
skills. industry stakeholders serving as trustees and
custodians.

118

9 HOW?

Conclusion • The Government should earmark
capital to create facilities and
Modernising, Maximising and technologies to support innovation,
Revolutionising MMR Through fund start-ups, finance cross-sector
Innovation, Integration and projects, and mentor and grow
Internationalisation local talents. Government funding
would increase credibility and help
Innovation attract private funds.

Innovation in public policy pertains to changing or • The Government should promote
adapting existing processes to serve a dynamic adaptable, accessible, shared
city’s needs and requirements. Only by taking a fresh technologies to make it affordable
perspective on the population’s evolving agendas and for micro businesses, individual
outcomes can there be innovation in policy, ushering the entrepreneurs, and the common
city into its next-gen avatar. To begin with, innovation public to use what otherwise would
centres, accelerators, and startup incubators can help be cost-prohibitive facilities.
the city examine and analyse issues to arrive at data-
backed solutions that are cost-effective, sustainable, • The Government should intervene
and long-term. These innovation centres can produce in an ecosystem for the built
customised solutions for Mumbai’s context by leveraging environment that facilitates
existing innovative ideas worldwide. This would also collaborations and interactions
create a global network and platform for ideas exchange, among the various actors and is
inviting global participation in creative problem-solving affordable to avoid gentrification
to maximise, modernise and revolutionise Mumbai. and exclusions.
By focusing on innovation in all walks of life - from
education systems to the built environment, from
waste management to reduction of carbon emissions
- Mumbai can be an ideal environment and candidate
for innovation infusion. By offering proximity, density,
and variety to foster innovation, experimentation, and
iteration, Mumbai can fulfil its destiny as a smart, future-
ready city that’s just getting started.

119

Integration

Championing change in a megacity like MMR is a challenge.
Its massive population, age-old governing bodies, rapid
expansion, etc. complicate integrated development.
The idea behind integration is to have various currently-
disjointed policy influencers work together towards
a common goal. It is, however, easier said than done.
Mumbai has evolved in many stages, growing rapidly at
each stage. Therefore, various civic bodies, development
authorities and nodal agencies are in charge of various
public utilities in Mumbai.

Additionally, the administration of Mumbai’s suburbs is
undertaken by respective municipalities and civic bodies.
However, these bodies are not always in sync. As a result,
their efforts are sometimes counter-intuitive, clashing
with each other’s goals and missions, delaying projects
and development efforts at massive costs.

To solve this, Mumbai can leverage digitalisation to add
transparency, accuracy, and speed to administration. It
will also provide adequate visibility to citizens, reinstilling
trust in the system and inviting public participation.
The integration will also ensure that all aspects of
governance are aligned to act as force multipliers and
expedite financial growth, infrastructure development,
and Mumbai’s cultural and social fabric improvement.
In addition, the integration will also help weigh the
benefits of development against the potential damage to
the environment, finding a middle ground to maintain a
sustainable rate of development that does not come at the
cost of the environment. Thus, holistic change brought
about by holistic development is very much possible for
the city.

Mumbai could draw from global examples, especially
Liverpool in the UK, which is now an integrated city.
Converging the focus on priority areas, using shared
resources and ideas, and building a connected framework
for multi-pronged transformation can bring about a massive
change in Mumbai. Health, education, neighbourhoods,
economy, culture, and climate must all be viewed under
a singular lens to make Mumbai a sustainable, equal-
opportunities city where everyone can thrive.

120

Internationalisation

Any international city - a globalised metropolis - has
specific characteristics. It is an influential, primary
node in the global economic network and a financial
hub within its regional milieu. Besides financial power,
international cities have a high-tech infrastructure,
excellent quality of life for residents, an innovation
mindset, and digitalisation which drives transparency
and efficiency in governance and business. Additionally,
such cities rank high in diversity and inclusion,
accessibility, and distribution of wealth and resources,
among other things.

Mumbai has excellent potential to fulfil all these criteria.
It also checks the box for several of these factors.
moreover, driving internationalisation can positively
transform Mumbai, creating a safe and secure future
for the city and its growing number of residents.
Internationalisation does not mean taking a cookie-
cutter approach or blindly emulating the West to create
a world-class Mumbai. It means taking advantage of the
existing solutions in the international world, choosing
what works for Mumbai, and improving how these
plans are implemented by leveraging learnings from
the developed world. It will help to level the playing
field so that opportunities and growth prospects are
available and accessible to all residents, irrespective of
their social standing and generational situations.

Internationalisation, therefore, will result in a global
ecosystem in Mumbai, attracting not just foreign
funding but also international standards and processes
for better outcomes. Moreover, the trickle-down
effects can benefit marginalised and underserved
members of society, with adequate provisions in
place to empower and enable them to chart a growth
trajectory aligned with the city.

121

Executive Summary

This report takes a critical look at India’s very own city that never sleeps, from its centuries-old
avatar as Bombay to its recent transformation into Mumbai and the various other factors influencing
the city’s built, social, cultural, and urban fabric. It then looks at the issues plaguing the city and
examines global examples of similar solutions to make recommendations tailor-made for Mumbai
and its unique context.

As we ponder the future of Mumbai, special attention must be paid to its past. There are cues and
clues in Mumbai’s past that could inform its future, shaping it into a cautionary tale of haphazard,
unequal growth or pivoting towards unlocking its true potential as a world-class city.

Here are a few insights from the report:

Rich history

• Over centuries, Bombay’s seven islets evolved into Mumbai, one of the most important port
cities in the world.

• Born from a Dowry gift and rechristened as the Island city, Bombay emerged as a prominent
trading center and leading local port by the 17th century.

Urbanization pioneer

• India’s first Urbanization project took place in Bombay. When Charles Boone became the
governor of Bombay, he undertook the task of constructing walls from Dongri in the north to
Mendham’s point in the south.

Titan of shipbuilding

• Bombay also witnessed the birth of the shipbuilding industry. Lovji Nusserbanji, a renowned
shipbuilder, who relocated from Surat to Bombay, started the construction of the first docks
and adopted the name Wadia.

The era of settling

• Kickstarting the settling of Bombay, new Building Regulations came in 1748, under which the
authorities sanctioned the demolition of several homes.

• In 1769, Fort George was built on the site of Dongri Fort. Construction of the Mazagaon
docks began the following year. The British government established separate English and Indian
quarters within and outside the Fort in 1772.

Reclamation of the city

• The first significant reclamation work was the Hornby Wellard project at Breach Candy, to
build a causeway uniting all seven islands of Bombay. It was completed in 1784 during the
Governorship of William Hornby.

• The first bungalow on Malabar Hill started the process of wealthy residents leaving the central
Fort, further accelerated by the completion of the Colaba Causeway in 1838.

• Lady Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy of Arabia donated the sum required to build a causeway connecting
Mahim to Sion.

122

Modern megapolis

• The Greater Bombay Municipal Corporation was formed in April 1950 by merging the Bombay
Suburban District and Bombay City.

A financial giant

• Mumbai is the largest economy in India. As of 2022, the financial capital of India tops the list
with an estimated GDP of $310 billion.

• Mumbai accounts for slightly more than 6.16% of India’s economy, contributing 10% of factory
employment, 30% of income tax collections, 45% of entertainment tax, 60% of customs duty
collections, 20% of central excise tax collections, 40% of foreign trade, 100% of stock market
assets and Rs 1,60,000 crore (US$20 billion) in corporate taxes to the Indian economy.

Magnet for migrants

• Mumbai has attracted large volumes of people seeking employment and has grown from the
Island City of 157 square kilometers to the modern-day sprawl of 6,355 square kilometers.

Housing hiccups

• The severe lack of affordable housing in Mumbai has driven 55% of the population to seek
accommodation in slums.

Decentralized administration

• Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) consists of 9 municipal corporations. These include
Greater Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi-Nizamapur,
Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, and Panvel.

Waste woes

• Greater Mumbai alone generates about 11,000 tonnes of solid waste per day.

• Nearly 80%-95% of household waste has ended up at either the Deonar dumping ground or
the Kanjurmarg landfill site since the closure of the Mulund dumping ground in 2018.

• Waste management in Greater Mumbai remains a largely manual operation operated by 30,000-
35,000 personnel. They collect waste in various shifts using a fleet of 800- 1000 vehicles, some
of which are hired from private contractors.

• On an average day, waste management operatives and vehicles make about 2000 trips collecting
and transporting garbage and debris across the city to the dumping grounds.

• During the pandemic, Mumbai generated around 10,000 to 17,000 kg of biomedical waste
daily.

Water worries

• Drinking water in Mumbai comes from its reservoirs: Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar,
Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna.

• Any fluctuation in rainfall can severely impact the city’s water supply.

• Mumbai’s suburban regions often face 10% to 15% water cuts.

• Estimates place water wastage due to leaks and bursts in the city at 20% to 25%.

123

Drainage issues

• The archaic British-era system was designed to deal with 25 mm rainfall. In August 2017,
Mumbai experienced 315.8 mm of rainfall in 12 hours.

Diminishing open spaces

• In 2017-18, the BMC allocated only 1.3% of its budget towards maintaining open spaces. In
2020-21, this budget was cut down to 0.7%.

• Mumbai has a mere 1.24 sqm of accessible open space per person, while cities like Bangalore
and Delhi have 17.32 sqm and 21.52 sqm, respectively.

Polluted air

• In February 2022, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) indicated that Mumbai was almost at par
with Delhi’s AQI. Mumbai’s AQI hovered between 316 and 320; anything between 300 and
400 is classified as ‘red’ or ‘inferior’ air quality.

• A US-based non-profit estimates that by 2050 about 300 million people across the globe will be
at risk of coastal flooding.

Rising seas

• Mumbai will be affected by the sea level rise predicted for 2050. During high tides in the city,
2500 buildings and 126 km of road length will be affected

• Mumbai’s natural defense against rising sea water - its mangroves - are being systematically
destroyed to reclaim the land.

Population explosion

• Studies indicate that between 1991 and 2018, there has been a 99.9% increase in the city’s
built-up area. In the same 27 years, Mumbai also lost about 60% of open spaces, 40% of its
green cover, and 26% of its water bodies.

Wealth gap

• Mumbai is a prime example of splintered urbanism, where most infrastructure and services are
concentrated in wealthy areas, while the poor lack even the most essential services.

• The imbalance and unequal distribution of resources between the rich and the poor fragment
society, continually widening the chasm between wealth and poverty.

Trillion-dollar aspirations

• The city can potentially be a One Trillion Dollar, clean economy. Mumbai is Maharashtra’s
economic hub, accounting for roughly half of the state’s GDP, estimated at $350- 400 billion. By
2030, India’s GDP could exceed $10 trillion.

• According to the RBI data, Maharashtra’s GDP shows a growth of 12% and has grown from
INR 17.8 lakh cr in 2014- 15 to INR 24.97 lakh cr in 2017-18. If the state maintains its current
growth rate of 12%, it will only reach USD 785 billion in constant currency by 2025.

• The city needs a 3X growth rate over the next eight years to become a trillion-dollar economy
by 2030.

124

Financial powerhouse potential

• Mumbai could bring in more than $200 billion if it becomes a financial powerhouse like Shanghai
or Hong Kong. The city also possesses a 110-acre Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that is idle and
contributes little to its GDP. A simple rejuvenation and reconstruction of SEEPZ could generate
100 billion USD in revenues by 2030.

• There is also an opportunity to create another Silicon Valley in India, with a dedicated IT park
in Mumbai that will guide India’s tech economy.

Reality check

• Mumbai has the potential to become the world’s next economic powerhouse, but this is easier
said than done.

• Mumbai faces a more difficult challenge because federal frameworks, overlapping responsibilities,
and limited state capacity make it more difficult to implement change.

Diamond dreams

• Mumbai may also explore establishing a one-of-a-kind park to recapture the centuries-old
diamond-cutting and polishing industry from the overcrowded clusters of Surat.

• A park like this will put the diamond bourse closer to the polishing industry and ensure rapid
growth for a critical export.

Jewel in the crown

• Indian jewellery has been around since 3000 BC. Mumbai is home to a 5000-year-old jewellery
industry.

• As of the pre-pandemic phase, the gems and jewellery industry contributed 7% to the country’s
GDP and 15% to its exports. It is also one of India’s most export-oriented and labor-intensive
industries, employing over 5 million people.

• Well over 60% of all jewellery dealing in India occurs in Mumbai, in the city centers of Zaveri
Bazaar and Parel.

Tourist destination

• The travel and tourism industry will contribute $512 billion to India’s GDP by 2029. It is also a
vital pillar of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Start-up success

• India is gradually preparing to transform into a land of more than 250 start-ups by 2025, each
with a $1 billion valuation. This will propel the Indian economy to unparalleled heights. The
start-up ‘wave’ is sweeping India, with 130 unicorns already documented in FY22.

Productive Dharavi

• Dharavi span over 550 acres in the heart of Mumbai. It is said to be one of the most productive
slums in the world and can easily drive the recycling business of the world.

125

New urbanism
• Mumbai has the potential to implement several tried-and-tested initiatives from all over the

world. These include digitalization of administration, walk-to-work culture, electric vehicle
eco-system, better public transport system to resolve traffic menace, e-bikes, bicycles, and
skywalks for last mile connectivity, sustainable and responsible construction practices, and
more.
PPP possibilities
• There is massive potential for Public-Private Partnerships in several sectors. This model could
help rejuvenate water bodies, transform Mumbai from a flood city to a sponge city, expand
green cover in Mumbai and its suburbs to make the city breathable, and develop plans to
decongest traffic, to name a few.
Power to the people
• People-driven development models can be considered to provide a better lifestyle and
opportunities to Mumbai’s massive underserved population.
• Several areas of life, especially health, education, and public utility could be improved with
this model. There is scope for implementation of mohalla clinics, mobile hospitals, accessible
insurance facilities, community schools, skill trucks, homeschooling, etc.
• This model could also look at the utilization of railway land for better public utility, mono lines
for inter-city connectivity, dedicated cycle and e-bike corridor for last-mile connectivity, metros
to connect the city to the suburbs efficiently, water transport, affordable suburban connectivity,
etc.
Sustainable development
• A robust institutional framework for sustainable urban development can be created by leveraging
a unified urban water authority, recycling policy, MMR infrastructure investment fund board
(MMRIIFB), SPV for port land development, etc.
Key recommendations
• The report offers recommendations on transforming Mumbai by leveraging innovation,
integration, and internationalization.
Innovation
• By focusing on innovation in all walks of life - from education systems to the built environment,
from waste management to reduction of carbon emissions - Mumbai can be an ideal environment
and candidate for innovation infusion.
• By offering proximity, density, and variety to foster innovation, experimentation, and iteration,
Mumbai can fulfill its destiny as a smart, future-ready city that’s just getting started.

126

Integration
• Mumbai could draw from global examples, especially Liverpool in the UK, which is now an

integrated city.
• Converging the focus on priority areas, using shared resources and ideas, and building a

connected framework for multi-pronged transformation can bring about a massive change in
Mumbai.
• Health, education, neighborhoods, economy, culture, and climate must all be viewed under
a singular lens to make Mumbai a sustainable, equal-opportunities city where everyone can
thrive.
Internationalization
• A global ecosystem in Mumbai will attract not just foreign funding but also international standards
and processes for better outcomes.
• The trickle-down effects of internationalization can benefit marginalized and underserved
members of society, with adequate provisions in place to empower and enable them to chart a
growth trajectory aligned with the city.

127

Bibliography

Research
Books and Reports
• Press Information Bureau
• Mumbai Suburban District Report
• Mumbai Metro Transforming Transport by Asian Development Bank Report
• Mumbai Report on Port Land Development
• Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
• APLI Mumbai - A Port Lands Initiative by Citizens to Re-Imagine Mumbai
• Dr. Sudha Mohan - Notes from the Fringes, A Brief Note on Mumbai
• Andrew E. G. Jonas and Keven Ward, (2007) Debates and Developments, There’s More Than One

Way to be ‘Serious’ about City-Regions, Volume 31.3, pp. 647–56 International Journal of Urban and
Regional Research.
• Florida Richard (2010), The Great Reset, New York, Harper Collins.
• Friedmann John, The Wealth of Cities: Towards an Assets-based Development of Newly Urbanizing
Regions Development and Change 38(6): 987–998 (2007).
• Gottmann, Jean. (1961) Megalopolis: The Urbanized Northeastern Seaboard of the United States.
New York: The Twentieth Century Fund, 1961
• Kundu, A (1997): ‘Trends and Structure of Employment in the 1990s’, Economic and Political Weekly,
Vol 32(24), pp 1399-1405.
• Mark Purcell, (2007) City-Regions, Neoliberal Globalization and Democracy: A Research Agenda
Volume 31.197–206 International Journal of Urban and Regional Research.
• Mohan Sudha (2001) Revitalisation of Urban Local Governance, with special reference to the 74th
Constitutional Amendment” in Nawaz Mody and K.Raman (ed.), Revitalisation of Indian Democracy,
Mumbai, Allied Publishers, 2001.
• Mohan Sudha (2005) Between Privatisation and Participation: Basic Services in Mumbai Metropolitan
Region in Klaus Segbers, Simon Raiser and Krister Volkmann (Eds), Public Problems – Private Solutions?
Globalizing Cities in the South, Aldershot, UK, Ashgate, September. Pp. 191-206.
• Ohmae, Kenichi (1993) “The Rise of the Region State”, Foreign Affairs, 72 no. 2, Spring
• Smith, N. (1996) The New Urban Frontier: Gentrification and the Revanchist City (New York:
Routledge)
• Swapna Banerjee-Guha, (Jan. 12-18, 2002), Shifting Cities: Urban Restructuring in Mumbai. Economic
and Political Weekly, Vol. 37, No. 2 pp. 121-128
• TISS and YUVA Report (1996). A Critical Review of the Draft Regional Plan for Mumbai Metropolitan
Region 1996-2011”. Seminar Proceedings of the Report published by the Tata Institute of Social
Sciences (TISS) and the NGO, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), Mumbai.
• Ve´ronique Dupont, (2007) Conflicting stakes and governance in the peripheries of large Indian
metropolises – An introduction, Cities, Vol. 24, No. 2, p. 89–94.

128

Web References
• Knight Frank Research
• Mumbai Port Trust
• Observations on Mahul Village
• Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai
• Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
• Dharavi Redevelopment Project -Report 2021 by NID-HP
• Ministry of Labour (Maharashtra)
• MahaIT
• Urban Development Department-Government of Maharashtra
• City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO)
• Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA)
• Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA)
• Ministry of Housing - Government of Maharashtra
• Ministry of Urban Development (Maharashtra)
• Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (Maharashtra)
• Ministry of Tourism (Maharashtra)
• Ministry of Higher and Technical Education (Maharashtra)
• Ministry of Ports Development (Maharashtra)
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Maharashtra)

Table/ Images
• Economic Survey Report 2021-2022
• Mumbai Metro Transforming Transport by Asian Development Bank Report
• Traffic Congestion
• Wikipedia
• HCP Blueprint for Port Land Development
• Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
• Mumbai Port Trust
• Shutterstock
• Google Images
• The Asiatic Society- Mumbai

Figures /Survey
• Population Census 2011
• Indiabudget.gov.in
• MMRDA.Maharashtra.Gov.in
• Start up my city
• Visualcapitalist.com.
• World Bank
• Sustainable Development and Climate Change- Economic Survey
• Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2021-22- Planning Department Report
• Wikipedia
• The World Federation of Exchanges
• Regional Plan for Mumbai Metropolitan Region- Report
• Concept Plan for MMR -Implementation Strategy Report 2022
• Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) - India Urban Infrastructure Report 2020-
• Maharashtra Pollution Control Board

Maps
• Google Maps
• Maps of India
• Wikipedia

129



Urban Acres was indeed thrilled to be a part of a collective
consciousness of great visionaries of MMR and to be able

to collect and share their aspirations, ideas,
and values through this Blueprint for MMR in the best

possible literary and artistic form.

TITTO EAPEN
Editor In Chief - Urban Acres Magazine

TEAM URBAN ACRES FOR PROJECT MMR
Content: AVINASH NAIR | SHARMILA CHATERJEE | RONITA D’SOUZA

Project Coordinator: JACKVALIN MACWAN
Statistics: PARVEZ MENON

Design: SHASHIKANT LOKARE | VISHWAS MACHIVALE | PRADEEP MHATRE
Visual Effects: VISHNU SADASIVAN
Fact Checker: TWINKLE MARIA

Research: DOMNIC D’SOUZA | PARTHIV NAIR
www.urbanacres.in