The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has always been the heartbeat of India’s economy and culture. Over the years, it’s grown into one of the most dynamic and fast-paced urban hubs in the country. But with growth comes challenges—traffic congestion, lack of affordable housing, and stretched infrastructure, to name a few. This is where integrated townships are stepping in to change the way people live, offering a fresh perspective on urban living.
In simple terms, a township is like a mini-city. It combines everything you need—homes, schools, offices, healthcare, shopping, and open spaces—all in one place. Instead of spending hours commuting, you can have everything within a short distance. This convenience is exactly what today’s homebuyers are looking for.
According to a report by Knight Frank, integrated townships will continue to be popular in 2025 due to their prime location, connectivity, and access to healthcare, education, workspaces, and banking institutions. The rise of remote work and people’s desire for better work-life balance have added to this trend. Families now prefer homes in communities that are secure, self-sufficient, and connected to nature. The MMR is uniquely suited for the growth of townships. First, land is more affordable in the suburban and peripheral areas compared to central Mumbai. Second, infrastructure projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, and the Metro rail expansions are making these areas better connected than ever.
Take Navi Mumbai as an example – once considered a distant satellite town, it’s now a thriving urban zone, credit goes to well-planned infrastructure and township developments. Modern townships are about more than just convenience; they’re about sustainable living. With climate change becoming a pressing issue, developers are focusing on green building designs, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and efficient waste management systems.
Dombivli, Thane and Virar are emerging as the thriving markets for township projects. These locations have witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by improved infrastructure, affordable housing options, and enhanced connectivity to key employment hubs. Townships in these areas cater to the growing aspirations of homebuyers, offering a balanced mix of affordability and modern amenities. For the developers, the main commitment has always been to create excellent townships that go way beyond the expectations of residents.
For all the real estate companies, sustainability is a top priority. In their projects, they aim to create homes that use resources responsibly while offering modern comforts. For instance, the companies are focusing to incorporate green spaces, eco-friendly construction materials, and energy-efficient designs.
Townships are no longer just a concept; they’re becoming a reality and shaping the way people live in MMR. They provide an answer to many of the problems that urbanization has brought—be it overcrowding, lack of infrastructure, or environmental concerns. As a developer, I believe townships are the future of MMR. They represent a balanced way of living—where families can thrive in secure, green, and well-connected communities.
Township projects must also comply with a host of government regulations in order to achieve sustainable and safe development. These include ensuring that all open spaces within a township remain free from obstructions and are accessible to residents, contributing to their quality of life. The integration of renewable energy initiatives such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting and the use of environmentally sustainable materials underscores the commitment to eco-friendly living spaces. These include the essential infrastructure and amenities of 24/7 water supply, stable electricity and waste management. Such infrastructural arrangements improve the standard of living and provide a wholesome experience in the township. Such policies are complemented by state-specific efforts to create smart and sustainable urban centers. Projects in the adoption of renewable energy, the development of waste management systems and water conservation measures are being actively promoted in township developments across the MMR.
The vision of the government of India in township development aligns with the agenda of infrastructure growth in MMR. This includes schemes like expansion in Mumbai Metro, development of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and improvement in the connectivity of suburban railways, which have made the places more habitable and accessible for people. Besides, policies such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) towards developing sustainable urban spaces is another driving factor for the growth of township developments. By bringing modern transportation and infrastructure plans, MMR is becoming a region that offers liveability and connectivity with high standards, compelling developers to invest in building world-class townships.
The MMR has always been a place of opportunities. With the rise of townships and as per the government’s vision, the aim is just not about building homes; it’s also about building communities where people can live, work, and grow together. The future is here, and it’s looking brighter than ever.
(Citations: Knight Frank “India Real Estate Report,” 2023)
(The article is authored by the CEO of Rustomjee Urbania)
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