MbPA, Japan’s UR Explore Vision 2047 Collaboration

Mumbai Port Authority, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, held discussions with Japan’s Urban Renaissance Agency on 17 June 2026 to explore potential collaboration for MbPA’s Vision 2047 Master Plan and upcoming waterfront development initiatives.

The meeting was attended by Dr M Angamuthu, IAS, Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority, and Takehiro Umezu, Director General, Urban Renaissance Agency, Japan, along with senior officials from both organisations. The discussions focused on waterfront redevelopment, port-city integration, urban design, mobility planning and sustainable development of port-linked areas.

MbPA reviewed several proposed and ongoing initiatives, including the Maharashtra Shipbuilding Cluster being developed with the Government of Maharashtra, marina and waterfront development, an international convention centre, public recreational spaces along the seafront, and water-based transport systems such as water taxis and water buses.

The Japanese delegation shared insights from major urban redevelopment projects in Japan, including Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, Umekita Osaka and Sannomiya Kobe. These examples highlighted models of waterfront transformation, transit-oriented development, public realm improvement and integrated urban infrastructure planning.

Dr Angamuthu said Mumbai Port Authority is pursuing a long-term vision that brings together port operations, waterfront revitalisation, public spaces, mobility and sustainable urban growth. He added that Japan’s experience in planned urban redevelopment and waterfront transformation could offer valuable insights for improving port efficiency and public access to waterfronts.

The discussions also covered mobility integration within MbPA areas, including the potential integration of four proposed Metro Line 11 stations in and around Sewri. UR expressed interest in acting as a knowledge and design-planning partner, with possible collaboration involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency for planning and infrastructure development.

The interaction marks an important step towards exploring international best practices for the integrated development of Mumbai’s port waterfront, improving urban connectivity and advancing MbPA’s Vision 2047 objectives.