Raigad: MMRDA Plans ‘Third Mumbai’ in Karnala-Sai-Chirner Belt, Faces Land Acquisition Challenges

Raigad, 24th October 2025: The long-speculated plan to build a third Mumbai in the Karnala-Sai-Chirner (KSC) belt in Raigad district is moving closer to reality, but land acquisition remains a major hurdle. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will need to acquire 323 square kilometers of land, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of local families.

To address the concerns of landowners, MMRDA is set to adopt policies previously implemented by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Under these policies, affected landowners will receive developed plots along with monetary compensation.

The authority is preparing a base map of the proposed KSC Navnagar area using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, which will include an existing land use map. An aerial survey and ground verification are planned to ensure accurate mapping.

Despite these measures, local opposition remains strong due to fears over displacement and disruption of traditional livelihoods. A senior MMRDA official stated that applying CIDCO and MIDC land acquisition policies could help resolve these concerns and give a boost to the project.

CIDCO Land Policy:
CIDCO has two policies—12.5 percent and 22.5 percent—for land acquisition. Under the 12.5 percent policy, 12.5 percent of the developed land acquired is returned to affected individuals. Of this, 30 percent is reserved for social amenities and public use, leaving a net allocation of 8.85 percent. Landowners can build with one-and-a-half FSI (Floor Space Index) and one percent commercial space on the allocated land.

MIDC Land Policy:
MIDC employs two methods for land acquisition: online application and direct allocation or e-auction. Fifteen percent of acquired land is allocated to affected individuals for industrial use, with five percent reserved for commercial purposes.

New Planning Institution:
To ensure the third Mumbai develops in a planned manner, MMRDA and the state government are planning to establish a new institution under MMRDA’s supervision. The organization will oversee all aspects of the project, from land acquisition to urban planning.

With these steps, the ambitious project aims to transform the Karnala-Sai-Chirner belt into a new urban hub, though balancing development with local interests will remain a critical challenge.