MMRDA starts land acquisition for ‘Third Mumbai’; consent process from April 27

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated land acquisition for the proposed ‘Third Mumbai'—the Karnala-Sai-Chirner (KSC) New Town—along the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu corridor, issuing a notification to formally commence the process and asking landowners across 124 villages in Raigad to submit online consent from April 27.The authority, designated as the New Town Development Authority (NTDA), has notified a 323.44 sq km area spanning Uran, Panvel and Pen talukas. The notification follows a state govt resolution dated March 16, 2026, which lays down the framework for land acquisition, compensation and land allocation.Under the policy, landowners can opt for multiple compensation routes under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. These include acquisition through mutual agreement with monetary compensation or compensation in the form of floor space index (FSI) and transferable development rights (TDR). A land pooling model has also been proposed, under which 22.5% of developed land will be returned to landowners, on the lines of the City and Industrial Development Corporation framework that was implemented in Navi Mumbai.As per the plan, landowners in Uran and Panvel will be allotted developed plots within Uran, while those in Pen will receive plots within Pen taluka. Officials said this approach is aimed at ensuring localised rehabilitation while retaining economic value for original landholders.MMRDA has urged landowners to submit consent forms online via its official website, along with required documents such as Aadhaar card, 7/12 extract and 8A extract. Officials said digitising the consent process is expected to speed up acquisition and reduce disputes.The Maharashtra govt, on Oct 15, 2025, designated MMRDA as the NTDA for the project, stating that the new township is aimed at improving connectivity and reducing travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, thereby supporting regional economic growth.The KSC New Town is also being positioned as part of a broader push to scale up the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's economy to $300 billion over the next five years, in line with NITI Aayog's transformation roadmap. In Sept, MMRDA signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Economic Forum to collaborate on accelerating economic growth in the region.Officials said the ‘Third Mumbai' project is being envisioned as a major technology and infrastructure hub, with a focus on data centres, logistics and high-value industries. Its biggest attraction for investors will be its strategic location, supported by multimodal connectivity—including port, airport, Metro rail, dedicated freight corridors and expressways—along with an integrated road and Metro network planned as part of the new town.