In a move to enhance the Smart City Mission led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF) based in the United Kingdom. This collaboration announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2024, aims to establish a technologically driven and inclusive Smart City within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Through this partnership, the MMRDA intends to leverage the expertise of WSCF to create a hub for growth that integrates innovation, fostering significant economic development and improved quality of life for residents in the Influence Area of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).

While welcoming the collaboration, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, “The MoU between MMRDA and WSCF solidifies our unwavering commitment to the prosperous future of the region. The best practices that are globally enforced by WSCF will now grace the doorsteps of the MMR, aiding the fulfillment of our dream for the development of the smart growth centre. This collaboration will catalyze economic growth in the surrounding regions through global investments, making a humongous contribution to the economic welfare of our prestigious nation”.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the collaborative efforts will focus on developing a master plan aimed at transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into an energy-independent zone. Additionally, this master plan will outline strategic guidelines for the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies, ensuring the integration of the newly envisioned smart city is characterized by sustainability and efficiency.

The collaboration between the MMRDA and WSCF will involve the pursuit of infrastructure design utilizing technology-centric smart home solutions. These mutually agreed-upon initiatives aim to facilitate the realization of strategic objectives for smart and sustainable development. Furthermore, they seek to establish forward-thinking cities that demonstrate resilience to climate change. This joint effort will foster the exchange of knowledge between the MMRDA and WSCF, showcasing best practices on a global scale.

Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, said, “The MoU fuels our drive to aid the digital empowerment and sustainable future of the MMR. Moreover, the region is bound to gain efficiency and resilience to climate change through our knowledge-sharing initiative".