Mumbai, April 18: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has taken a historic step by introducing India’s first participatory land acquisition model under the Mumbai 3.0 project. This innovative model empowers landowners by offering multiple options, allowing them to actively participate in the development process rather than relying on traditional acquisition methods.
Approximately 323.44 square kilometers across 124 villages in the Raigad district, including Uran, Panvel, and Pen talukas, will be developed as the ‘Karnala-Sai-Chirner (KSC) New Town.’ This new urban development area is crucial for transforming Mumbai into a global economic hub, especially within the influence zone of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.
Based on a government resolution issued on March 16, 2026, MMRDA has been appointed as the New Town Development Authority (NTDA). This policy adopts a people-centric and transparent approach, prioritizing the consent and participation of landowners over traditional land acquisition methods.
MMRDA has provided landowners with three flexible options. The first option is a mutually agreed acquisition, where the cash compensation amount will be determined based on an agreement between both parties under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. The second option involves compensation through development rights, where compensation will be provided in the form of Floor Space Index (FSI) and Transferable Development Rights (TDR), with additional incentives offered where necessary. The third and significant option is the land pooling model, where landowners will receive 22.5% of developed land in exchange for their undeveloped land.
Under this model, landowners from Uran and Panvel talukas will be allocated developed plots within Uran taluka, while landowners from Pen taluka will receive 22.5% developed land back in Pen taluka. This arrangement not only limits landowners to compensation but also makes them active partners in the new city’s development, ensuring long-term value appreciation.
This model guarantees that landowners are not just limited to compensation but also become stakeholders in the value appreciation generated from the new city’s development, allowing them to benefit in the long term.
Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, the Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, stated, “While shaping Mumbai 3.0, our focus is entirely on people-centric development. Nation-building and city-building should both be participatory processes. We are empowering landowners by providing them with options, enabling them to make decisions that align with their aspirations. The success of this initiative will depend on the voluntary participation of citizens. We are committed to maintaining transparency and trust.”
An online portal will be available for landowners to give their consent starting April 27, 2026. They will need to submit their Aadhaar card, land records, and other necessary documents. This process will be fully digital and transparent, reducing the likelihood of disputes.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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