The MMRDA was established for implementation of the Regional Plan and for Planning, Development and Co-ordination of Development within the MMR. Mumbai Metropolitan Region was delineated in 1967 and the first Regional Plan for Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) was sanctioned in 1973. MMRDA prepared the revised Regional Plan for the period 1996-2011, which came into force with effect from 1st December, 1999.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Planning Committee (MMPC) was formed as per the Mumbai Metropolitan Planning Committee Act, 1999 in the year 2009, and the revision of the Regional Plan was carried out by MMRDA under the guidance of the MMPC. The MMPC accepted the draft Regional Plan prepared by MMRDA and directed that the same be published for inviting suggestions and objections from the public under section 16 of the MR & TP Act, 1966.

Based on the suggestions & objections received and the Planning Sub-Committee's report, after following the procedure laid down under the MR & TP Act, 1966, MMRDA submitted the modified draft Regional Plan to the MMPC on 30th October, 2017 for its approval and onward submission to the Government of Maharashtra for sanction. The MMPC has approved the same with appropriate modifications and submitted to the GoM for sanction. The GoM, vide its Notification dated 7th August, 2019 has accorded sanctioned to a part of the Regional Plan, 2016-36 pertaining to Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone. GoM vide Notification dated 9th September, 2019 has extended MMR boundary to include Palghar Taluka in North and entire Khalapur, Pen and Alibaug Talukas in South. Therefore, the total area of the MMR is aggregating about 6328 sq. Km."