Top global universities to open campuses in Mumbai

The Mumbai government has invited five top global universities to build campuses in a new area called Third Mumbai. This area is located near the Navi Mumbai Airport and will feature a special education hub named Edu City. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the plan at a summit in Mumbai. He mentioned that three of the invited universities are from the United States, while one is from Australia and another from the United Kingdom. However, he did not disclose the names of these institutions. The state will sign a memorandum of understanding with the universities after receiving necessary approvals from the University Grants Commission. Third Mumbai is still in the early stages of development and will surround the Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is set to open in May. The new city will be called Karnala-Sai-Chirner New Town. It will include sector-specific areas like Edu City, Medi City, Global Capability Centres, and Data Centres. Fadnavis stated that the goal is to attract about 2,000 Global Capability Centres in the next few years and to power them with green energy by 2030. To enhance transportation, several infrastructure projects are planned. The Metro-8 corridor will connect Mumbai's main airport with the new Navi Mumbai airport. Additionally, a Coastal Road will extend to Virar and connect with other major routes. Fadnavis also highlighted plans for Vadhavan Port, which is expected to be one of the largest ports globally, along with a third airport and bullet train connections nearby.