Nashik: The Nashik Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative for landholders along the 66-kilometre Ring Road project.
By offering three distinct development models, the authority aims to create an inclusive fringe area road network that ensures every piece of land in the jurisdiction has equal access to growth and infrastructure.
NMRDA commissioner and CEO Jalaj Sharma, while talking to TOI, said, "While the priority is to establish a cohesive road network, the flexibility of these options allows property owners to choose the level of participation that best suits their individual goals."
The first model follows a traditional town planning scheme where the NMRDA takes the lead on all major infrastructure. "The authority will bear the entire cost of developing roads ranging from 12 to 30 meters in width and installing essential public amenities. After carrying out the official plotting of the area, the NMRDA will hand back 60% of the land to the original holders. A significant benefit of this path is that the landowner is not required to pay any premium to the authority, as the development costs are absorbed by the govt in exchange for the utility space," joint metropolitan planner Dipak Varade said.
The second option offers a more collaborative approach to land use.
Under this arrangement, the NMRDA assumes control over 40% of the total space to facilitate the construction of roads and public facilities.
The remaining land stays with the holder, who is then free to develop their portion according to their own specific ideas and requirements. Much like the first option, this scheme exempts the landholder from paying any premium, balancing public infrastructure needs with private development rights.
"The final option is designed for owners who wish to maintain maximum control over their property. In this case, the NMRDA will intervene only to develop the necessary road network. The landholder will retain the rest of the property, but take on the responsibility of securing and preserving spaces designated for public amenities. These spaces must be handed over to the authority whenever the owner decides to move forward with development. Notably, this is the only option where the landholder is required to pay a premium to the authority," Varade said.
By presenting these choices to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during a recent high-level meeting, the NMRDA has signaled a shift towards a more frictionless style of urban planning.
Varade said, "This is the first time such options have been offered to the public. The goal is to unlock the economic potential of the region by ensuring proper road dimensions are established early, paving way for efficient development."