Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 18: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced that the upcoming urban and economic hub being developed in Raigad district — dubbed ‘Third Mumbai’ — will mark a transformative phase in the state's growth story.

Speaking at an investor-focused event, Fadnavis outlined a bold vision for the project, describing it as a next-generation centre of innovation, research, and infrastructure that will complement and expand Mumbai’s existing economic influence.

“The ‘Third Mumbai’ will not just be an extension of the city — it will be a futuristic hub for medical, technological, and educational advancement,” said the Chief Minister. “A medical college, an international university centre, and a full-fledged innovation hub with facilities for quantum computing and AI-based research are being planned.”

Fadnavis emphasized that the project would thrive on robust public-private partnerships. He called on private investors to take advantage of the state's fast-track approval systems and reiterated Maharashtra’s status as a business-friendly destination. “We are committed to creating an ecosystem where investment can flourish without bureaucratic hurdles,” he assured.

Connectivity is expected to be a key strength of ‘Third Mumbai’. The hub will be linked to the existing city through major infrastructure projects including the Coastal Road, the Atal Setu, and the under-construction Worli-Shivadi link road — enabling seamless integration with Mumbai’s commercial core.

Positioning Maharashtra as a leader in Ease of Doing Business, Fadnavis said: “Our goal is to make sure investors encounter no roadblocks. When issues arise, we are resolving them immediately.”

He also underscored the symbolic and strategic importance of the private banking sector’s involvement in the state, calling the opening of a new private bank office a “milestone for Maharashtra’s economic momentum.” According to him, this reflects the state’s skilled workforce, robust market base, and supportive regulatory environment.

As development begins to take shape in Raigad, the ‘Third Mumbai’ is being projected not only as a physical expansion but also as a statement of Maharashtra’s intent to lead the next era of economic and technological innovation in India.