Devendra Fadnavis Approves 150-Acre Film and Television Media Hub in Malad
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday approved a proposal to establish a new Integrated Film and Television Media Hub on 150 acres of land in Malad, Mumbai. The project will be developed through a joint Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by the state government and Prasar Bharati to support and expand the region's media and entertainment sector.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Prasar Bharati, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and the Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation to facilitate the joint development.
The project will utilize 150 acres of a 278-acre plot owned by All India Radio in Malad. The space became available for the expansion of the media industry because most of All India Radio's broadcasting operations are currently being shifted to the FM system.
According to the plans, the proposed media hub will feature state-of-the-art film studios, sound stages, hospitality facilities, IT and ITES-related infrastructure, and tourism development projects. It will also house international standard film and music training centers established in collaboration with renowned educational institutions from abroad.
Fadnavis noted that No-Development Zone (NDZ) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules currently apply to the Malad site, limiting development to a small area. He assured that the state government will provide all necessary cooperation to secure statutory permissions, alter rules, and amend the Development Control Regulations to allow complete development of the site.
To expedite the project, the Chief Minister instructed the appointment of a consultancy firm to prepare a pre-feasibility study and action plan. He also directed the formation of a joint working committee of officers from both institutions to fast-track the technical aspects and the Detailed Project Report. Fadnavis ordered that all project components and the development plan be finalized by June end.
The meeting was attended by State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, and senior officials from Film City and MIDC.
