The Union Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways is mulling to open up the unused land of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) for the benefit of citizens.

In this regard, the MbPT in association with the Maharashtra Government is likely to chalk out a plan for the development of port's land that could be used for the city.

The ministry plans to set up a standing committee, under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, Maharashtra, along with the MbPT Chairman and other stake holders, which will discuss issues concerning the port and development of Mumbai.

The MbPT owns approximately 1,800 acre on the east coast of the city, stretching from Colaba to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Trombay.

According to sources, under the Rs 1 lakh-crore National Maritime Development Programme for expansion of ports and shipping sectors, Rs 55,804 crore is likely to be utilised for enhancing and development of ports while the remaining will go for shipping and inland waterways sector.