In a bid to develop Mumbai's far-flung suburbs, the state legislative assembly on Thursday approved a resolution to extend the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to Palghar, Vasai, Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Ambernath, Karjat, Khalapur, Pen and Alibag. This has increased the jurisdiction of the MMRDA from 4,355 sq km to 6,355 sq km by covering these growth centres on the periphery of Greater Mumbai. This is expected to boost work on developmental activities and infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), coastal road, capacity addition of the Mumbai-Pune expressway, Navi Mumbai international airport and metro railway projects, and streamline urbanisation in the belt around Mumbai. Minister of state for urban development Yogesh Sagar tabled the motion to amend the jurisdiction of the MMRDA as defined by the MMRDA Act, 1974. This would boost the development of infrastructure facilities in these areas, including bridge between Vasai and Mira Bhayender, an extension of the suburban railway to Dahanu, Virar-Alibag multi-modal corridor, and new industrial areas at Khalapur, he said. "This will help balanced development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region," said Sagar. The decision to extend MMRDA's jurisdictions was supported by local elected representatives across party lines, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He also promised to consider BJP legislator from Mubad Kisan Kathore's demand to bring Murbad and Shahapur under MMRDA. Extension State Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved a resolution to extend MMRDA jurisdiction to Palghar, Vasai, Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Ambernath, Karjat, Khalapur, Pen and Alibag

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