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During the Maharashtra government's participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) to attract investment for the state, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) cancelled its bid to initiate a survey for the development of Third Mumbai. The proposed Karnala-Sai-Chirner Town (KSC Town) aimed to boost the region's GDP to USD 300 billion within five years. Despite signing agreements with WEF and floating a tender for consultants, flaws in the existing bid led to its cancellation. The project, spanning 323.4 sq km and affecting 124 villages, faces resistance from local residents over land acquisition concerns. While significant foreign and domestic investments have been secured, delays in planning and execution may impact the project's timeline.
While the Maharashtra government was engaging at the World Economic Forum (WEF) to secure investments for the state, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) cancelled its bid to initiate a survey for the creation of Third Mumbai. According to an MMRDA official, the existing plan lacked the incorporation of best practices followed by agencies such as the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO). Advertisement
The Karnala-Sai-Chirner Town (KSC Town), also referred to as Third Mumbai, was projected to elevate MMR's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to USD 300 billion within the next five years, as outlined in NITI Aayog's masterplan. To facilitate this, MMRDA and WEF had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September 2024, intending to accommodate technology hubs and host 65% of India's data centres in MMR. In December 2024, MMRDA had also issued a tender to appoint a consultant for conducting LiDAR, aerial, and land surveys this year.
Last month, MMRDA signed MoUs with 11 global and domestic companies in Davos, securing investments worth USD 40 billion (INR 3.5 lakh crore) for the MMR, including KSC Town. An official highlighted that these MoUs were structured for a long-term period of five to seven years, making them crucial for MMR's overall development and the creation of Third Mumbai.
The foreign entities involved in these MoUs included Brookfield, Blackstone Inc., Temasek Holdings, Sumitomo Realty & Development, The Everstone Group, University of Birmingham, Sotefin, Circular Economy Park Development, and the Department of Transport UK & Crossrail International. Meanwhile, domestic investors comprised Mumbai-based Hiranandani Group and K Raheja Corp, both of which have significant business interests in the MMR.
The designated land for KSC Town spans 323.4 sq km, covering 124 villages in the Raigad district and part of the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA). Nearly half of the earmarked land consists of hills, forests, and farmlands. However, some residents of the 124 villages have expressed concerns over a potential land grab, fearing inadequate compensation for land acquisitions.
The cancellation of MMRDA's survey bid for Third Mumbai raises questions about the project's future, even as the Maharashtra government secures substantial investments for the region. While the ambitious vision promised economic growth and technological advancements, concerns regarding land acquisition and planning methodologies remain unresolved. As the state moves forward with its development agenda, balancing investment-driven urban expansion with sustainable planning and stakeholder interests will be crucial to ensuring equitable and long-term progress.
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