Mumbai will have a tower taller than Burj Khalifa and a new Marine Drive

A grand plan has been made by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari, to develop the wasteland in the country's financial capital, Mumbai. A tower taller than the famous 163-floor Burj Khalifa of Dubai will be constructed on the new eastern waterfront, with a green boulevard greater than Mumbai's Marine Drive.

The new eastern waterfront on the industrial wasteland that is going to be developed belongs to Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), which Gadkari considers the "richest landlord" in the city. According to DNA India, Gadkari said,

In Mumbai, we are the number one landlord. We (MbPT) are the owners of (the plots for) the iconic Taj Hotel, Ballard Estate, and Reliance Building. There are plans to develop the huge amount of land that the Port Trust has.

According to the Hindustan Times, Gadkari also said,

The plans are ready, and we are awaiting the Centre’s nod. We are not giving our land to the builders and investors. We have plans to develop the area. We are making a green, smart road, three times bigger than Marine Drive. We plan a historic landmark bigger than Burj Khalifa. The plan is ready, we are waiting for the approval from the Cabinet.

Mumbai Port Trust is one of the biggest public land holders in India's financial capital, and has been responsible for port operations since 1873.

A plan has been proposed to develop about 500 hectares having a mix of port operations, commercial use, retail, entertainment, and so on. One of the highlights of the plan is a seven-km-long marine drive, stretching from Mazagaon Docks till Wadala. This stretch is much longer than the existing Marine Drive. The idea that has been proposed also lays out plans of building spaces for a maritime museum, marinas, and community recreation and engagement.

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