The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is set to transform into a major growth hub, with the Maharashtra government announcing plans to develop seven international business centres aimed at boosting the region’s economy from USD 140 billion to USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1.5 trillion by 2047.

State finance minister Ajit Pawar, while presenting the Budget for FY26, emphasised large-scale infrastructure projects to support this growth. The proposed seven business centres will be established in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Kurla-Worli, Wadala, Goregaon, Navi Mumbai, Kharghar, and Virar-Boisar. 

A new elevated road will connect Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli, and other regions to the Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is expected to commence domestic operations from April, with 85 percent of its construction completed. Additionally, the Vadhavan port in Palghar will be linked to the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train.

Plans also include connecting the port to Palghar airport. Further, a comprehensive metro network and a Coastal Road to connect these centres are also planned, enhancing regional connectivity.

An 'Iinnovation City' on 250 acres in Navi Mumbai is also planned to create job opportunities. Infrastructure development will also extend to the Vadhavan Port, which is slated to commence operations in 2030 and will be supported by a third airport in the vicinity. Additionally, the state has signed a Rs 4,259 crore MoU with a private company to develop a port at Murbe in Palghar district.

Several Metro lines are also planned, including 41.2 km in Mumbai and 23.2 km in Pune, to be constructed in the next financial year. Additionally, the Thane Coastal Highway (Rs 3,364 crore) and the Bandra-Versova Sealink (14 km) are scheduled for completion by 2028, while the Worli-Sewri connector is set to finish by March 2026.