Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that five foreign universities are interested in establishing campuses in Navi Mumbai as part of the development of a new educational hub, referred to as Edu City, within the larger project known as Third Mumbai. This initiative aims to create a dedicated space for education and innovation, with the new city designed to accommodate various sectors, including data centers and medical facilities. Among the five institutions expressing interest, three are from the United States, which rank among the top 50 universities globally, while one each hails from Australia and the United Kingdom.
Fadnavis made this announcement during a speech at the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) event, highlighting that formal agreements will be established following approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC). The state government is actively pursuing discussions with the UGC to finalise these partnerships.
The new city is set to be significantly larger than Mumbai and will feature improved infrastructure, including a 21-kilometer sea link and an operational airport by May 2025.
Fadnavis mentioned plans for transforming other regions in Maharashtra, such as developing Sambhaji Nagar into an electric vehicle hub and enhancing Gadchiroli as a steel production center. This comprehensive approach aims to foster broad-based development across the state, positioning Navi Mumbai as a key player in India's educational and economic landscape.