How is MMRDA Enhancing Metro and Urban Transport in Davos?
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Synopsis
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, MMRDA's Commissioner led discussions with global leaders to enhance metro and urban transport infrastructure. This collaboration aims to transform Mumbai into a talent capital and secure funding for sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways
- MMRDA is exploring global partnerships for urban transport development.
- Collaboration with academic institutions will enhance research and innovation.
- The focus is on sustainable growth and creating job opportunities.
- MMRDA signed significant MoUs during the WEF summit.
- The goal is to position Mumbai as a leading economic hub.
Davos, Jan 19 (NationPress) A team led by Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), engaged in a pivotal discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit on Monday. They met with Paul Dyson, CEO of Crossrail International, a specialist advisory firm from the UK that supports significant transport infrastructure initiatives globally.
The meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration and identified avenues for knowledge-sharing and capacity building in metro and urban transportation.
An MMRDA statement revealed that the delegation also held discussions with Prof Chris Bush from the University of California, Berkeley. This partnership is expected to facilitate new opportunities for academic exchange, research collaboration, and innovations in urban development. It aligns with the mission of transforming Mumbai into the Talent Capital of both India and Asia.
According to the release, “The purpose of our visit to Davos is to attract global funding and form technology partnerships to expedite development across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.”
“The WEF 2026 event will act as a crucial platform to further Maharashtra's ambition of achieving a USD 1 trillion economy. Our discussions will focus on increasing foreign direct investment, fostering industrial partnerships, boosting job creation, and ensuring sustainable economic growth across MMR,” the release highlighted.
The MMRDA team is part of the larger Maharashtra delegation led by CM Fadnavis, which includes Vikram Kumar, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner, along with other senior officials.
During the World Economic Forum summit in January 2025, MMRDA successfully signed 11 MoUs valued at approximately USD 40 billion (around Rs 3.5 lakh crore) focused on infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, encompassing urban transport, regional development, advanced technologies, logistics, sustainable urban projects, and more.
These investments are projected to foster sustainable growth, create employment opportunities, improve mobility, and aid MMR's vision of evolving into a prominent economic center, targeting a USD 300 billion economy and generating 3 million jobs by 2030.
This initiative is part of Maharashtra's broader accomplishments at Davos 2025, where the state secured around 54-61 MoUs amounting to Rs 15.70 lakh crore in investments overall, with MMRDA contributing a significant portion (approximately Rs 3.44-3.5 lakh crore).
Point of View
The initiatives taken by MMRDA at the World Economic Forum symbolize a significant step toward infrastructural advancement and economic development. Collaborations like these are crucial for India's progress on the global stage, promoting not just local but international investment, technology exchange, and innovation.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of MMRDA's visit to Davos?
The purpose was to secure global funding and technology partnerships to accelerate development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
What collaborations were discussed at the WEF summit?
Discussions included partnerships for knowledge-sharing and capacity building in metro and urban transport.
What are the future goals for Mumbai's economy?
MMRDA aims to build a USD 300 billion economy and create 3 million jobs by 2030.
