Mumbai's Eastern Waterfront: The last opportunity 

The Eastern Waterfront of Mumbai spans 1,800 acres from Wadala to Colaba, playing a crucial role in enhancing east-west connectivity and serving as a vital part of the city’s development. However, this land, under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPt) and the Central Government, is being planned independently, without considering its integration into the broader urban framework of Mumbai.

 

The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, allows the Port Trust to create its own master plan, independent of local or state government regulations. This autonomy also extends to non-port-related activities, such as urban planning, housing, and infrastructure development, which typically fall under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.

 

The Eastern Waterfront offers a unique opportunity for Mumbai to address pressing needs such as affordable housing, public spaces, and improved connectivity. It is crucial that the development of this land be integrated into the city’s broader planning efforts, rather than being isolated under the Port Trust’s control.

 

At UCM, we are committed to advocating for a comprehensive and integrated approach to the development of Mumbai’s Eastern Waterfront. We stand resolute in our efforts to ensure that the Eastern Waterfront is developed with careful consideration, collaboration, and foresight, for the benefit of the people and the city as a whole.