The entire area is overseen by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), a state-owned organisation in charge of town planning, development, transportation and housing in the region.

The MMRDA was formed to address challenges in planning and development of integrated infrastructure for the metropolitan region.The areas outside Brihanmumbai (Greater Mumbai) and Navi Mumbai have lacked organised development.

The region has had problems related to haphazard and illegal development as a result of rapid urbanisation.

Villages along the NH 3 in Bhiwandi are examples of haphazard developments in the MMR, with some of the largest warehousing areas in India.

Government agencies such as the Town Planner and Collector of Thane have had challenges in addressing unorganised development.