In a major policy move aimed at accelerating infrastructure growth, the Maharashtra government has approved the transfer of 33,954.61 hectares of state-owned land to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The land spans across Thane, Raigad, and Palghar districts and will be used to support large-scale development projects across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
A government resolution issued by the state’s urban development department on March 25, 2026, grants MMRDA Class-1 ownership rights over land parcels spread across 1,324 villages in these districts. The decision follows a cabinet push to empower regional planning authorities with land assets that can be leveraged for infrastructure creation and funding.
Although the land is being transferred free of cost, the state has introduced a revenue-sharing mechanism. Under this arrangement, MMRDA will be required to remit 25% of the income generated from the development of these lands back to the state treasury.
Raigad accounts for the largest share of the transfer, with 12,817.59 hectares across areas such as Alibaug, Panvel, Pen, Uran, Karjat, and Khalapur. Palghar follows with 11,177.17 hectares in regions like Palghar and Vasai, while Thane contributes 9,960.32 hectares, including Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Ambarnath, and Thane.
To expedite project execution, the government has relaxed procedural requirements, removing the need for MMRDA to obtain no-objection certificates from district collectors or other state departments before initiating work. The authority has also been empowered to allocate and dispose of the land under its own regulations.
However, certain safeguards remain in place. District collectors must ensure the land is free from encroachments prior to transfer, while MMRDA is responsible for preventing future illegal occupation. For lands classified as forest, grazing, or temple-owned, the authority must comply with applicable Supreme Court and High Court directives.
The land will be handed over in phases based on project needs, with MMRDA also bearing responsibility for any compensation arising from past land acquisition disputes.
Source: The Times of India
