The Maharashtra government is set to change the education sector with plans to establish “Third Mumbai,” a new urban development on the outskirts of Navi Mumbai. This ambitious project aims to attract top universities from the UK, US, and Australia to set up campuses in the region.
Key Highlights
- Five Top Universities: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state has entered into an agreement with five foreign universities, ranked in the top 50 globally.
- International Partnerships: Three universities are from the US, while one each is from Australia and the UK.
- Edu City: The new urban development will feature an “Edu City” with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities.
Third Mumbai is being planned around the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, slated to open in May. The new urban development, known as Karnala-Sai-Chirner (KSC) New Town, will be positioned at the eastern end of the Atal Setu, connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai.
This initiative follows the footsteps of GIFT City and Gurgaon, which have already welcomed international universities. Australian universities Deakin and the University of Wollongong have established campuses in GIFT City, while the University of Southampton is set to open its campus in Gurgaon in August 2025.
To ensure the success of this project, it’s important to prioritize accessibility for students, infrastructure demands, and affordability. A Mumbai-based consultant emphasized the need for careful planning to address the city’s growing challenges, such as pollution and traffic congestion.
The Third Mumbai project is part of a broader strategy to elevate Mumbai’s GDP from $140 billion to $300 billion by 2030. The new urban development will feature:
- Robust Infrastructure: Residential and commercial towers, banks, data centers, sports facilities, educational universities, government offices, and knowledge parks.
- Improved Connectivity: The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Virar Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, and Panvel Karjat Rail Corridor will enhance connectivity and drive economic growth.
As the project progresses, it’s expected to create new opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals, solidifying India’s position as a hub for global education and innovation.
