In its recent report, Niti Aayog identified the emerging city of Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), also known as Third Mumbai, and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) influence area as ideal locations for these integrated EduCities. With Mumbai already established as one of the country’s largest business hubs and possessing strong global connections, the report suggests that MMR could “naturally expand” into becoming India’s leading center for higher education.
These proposed EduCities are envisioned to feature top-tier faculty and researchers, along with student housing and recreational facilities. The plan also includes blue-green infrastructure, which combines man-made and natural elements to enhance urban settings. Niti Aayog’s report highlights that there is substantial investor interest in the MMR due to its potential to offer affordable land and amenities, such as student housing and recreational infrastructure.
Educationists are optimistic about the potential of MMR as a higher education hub. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost of HSNC University, told TOI that with improved access and connectivity, it is natural for “multiple centres” to be established. “As Mumbai is the financial capital, there is an IT and data hub, and with a thriving industrial belt between Mumbai and Pune, education will definitely receive a big push,” he stated.
The report also emphasizes the potential impact of a large educational system on job creation. Currently, MMR is not among the top 10 districts in India in terms of the number of colleges. In contrast, districts like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have reaped significant benefits from being educational hubs, resulting in extensive job ecosystems.
With the World Economic Forum estimating the need for nearly 20 million additional digital jobs globally by 2030, Niti Aayog suggests that MMR should aim to skill at least 10-12 lakh people by 2030. The targeted courses include electronics assembly, digital courses, animation, fashion technology, supply chain management, caregiving, nursing, aviation, and hospitality services. The report further emphasizes the importance of including women, aiming for at least 40% female participation.Dr. Balasaheb Pawar, trustee of Shiva Education Trust, which oversees nearly 50 colleges, told TOI that the need for the new mega education cities to focus on high-quality professional courses. Many experts agree, noting that Navi Mumbai already has a strong presence of traditional undergraduate programs. The new EduCities would facilitate the implementation of the National Education Policy, offering students the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of courses within a large campus environment.