In a significant boost to its ESG and carbon neutral strategy, Mumbai has partnered with South Korean institutions to fast-track sustainable urban development under the Mumbai 3.0 roadmap. Spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), this collaboration aims to transform the city into a climate-resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive smart metropolis. 

Formalized at the India Global Forum 2025, the partnership builds on the success of South Korea’s Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), a USD 100 billion urban economy known for tech-driven growth and green infrastructure. Through knowledge exchange and joint pilot projects, Mumbai plans to replicate Korean models across transit-oriented development zones, smart mobility corridors, fintech innovation hubs, and clean-tech clusters. 

A central pillar of this collaboration is reducing fossil fuel reliance by integrating mixed-use zones within walkable proximity to mass transit hubs. This aligns with Mumbai’s ESG objectives to slash emissions and support equitable, people-centric infrastructure. The approach is also designed to attract foreign direct investment, with backing from Korean agencies like KOTRA and private sector innovators in mobility and smart infrastructure. 

The strategic alliance emphasizes advanced technologies—such as AI-based urban systems, green logistics, and sustainable housing—aimed at improving governance, climate risk resilience, and living standards. MMRDA officials highlighted the importance of institutional capacity building through bilateral knowledge transfer programs that equip local planners and engineers with cutting-edge skills in sustainable urban management. 

As a member of the Global Twin Cities Platform via the World Smart Cities Forum, Mumbai is setting the stage to become a benchmark for ESG-driven urban planning. By integrating carbon neutral strategies into every facet of infrastructure, the Mumbai–South Korea partnership positions the city as a global leader in inclusive, technology-enabled, and environmentally responsible urbanisation. 

Source : 

https://urbanacres.in/mumbai-teams-up-with-south-korea-to-build-smarter-sustainable-urban-infrastructure/