Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is moving forward with the ambitious Third Mumbai project, also referred to as the Karnala-Sai-Chirner (KSC) New Town, focusing on the acquisition of 323.44 square kilometres of land across 124 villages in Uran, Panvel, and Pen talukas of Raigad district.
Facing substantial local resistance, officials have opted to replicate existing and proven land acquisition frameworks successfully implemented by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).Authorities explained that instead of creating an entirely new framework, extending existing rehabilitation and development policies provides a tested and more predictable pathway for acquiring and urbanising land. Cidco’s longstanding models, operational since 1994 and 2014, have provided Project Affected Persons (PAPs) with developed land allotments ranging from 8.75% to 22.5%, including social infrastructure, commercial space, and essential amenities such as schools, health centres, and markets. These approaches will form the basis for PAP rehabilitation in KSC New Town.
For commercial and industrial development, MMRDA intends to follow MIDC’s proven approach, allotting 15% of industrial land and 5% of commercial plots to PAPs, ensuring inclusive participation in economic growth while securing private investment opportunities. Officials emphasised that replicating established frameworks reduces legal complexities and improves stakeholder confidence in the process.The Maharashtra government has formally designated MMRDA as the New Town Development Authority for KSC New Town, with 80 of the affected villages falling under the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) and additional areas integrated within regional and urban plans. This move consolidates planning authority and centralises administrative oversight, following the revocation of Cidco’s special planning authority for these villages.
Preliminary surveys using LiDAR technology, aerial imaging, GIS mapping, and land ownership verification are underway. These studies will inform a comprehensive master plan detailing development strategies, zoning, infrastructure networks, and sustainable urbanisation guidelines.Despite structured frameworks, opposition from local farmers and residents remains significant.The MMRDA KSC Navnagar Virodhi Shetkari Samiti Raigad continues to mobilise protests against land acquisition, citing concerns over livelihood, cultural impact, and transparency. Authorities have indicated ongoing engagement and consultations to balance urban development goals with community rights.The Third Mumbai initiative is central to Maharashtra’s strategy to expand the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s GDP to $300 billion within five years, aligning with national planning priorities for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable urban growth. The adoption of established land acquisition frameworks signals a pragmatic and legally secure approach to large-scale urban development in India’s financial hub.
