Maharashtra’s ambitious Third Mumbai project is taking shape as a new urban centre designed to support growth beyond Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The Karnala-Sai Chirner (KSC) New Town covers 323.44 sq km across 124 villages in Uran, Panvel and Pen talukas of Raigad district.
The project gained momentum following the development of the Atal Setu and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), with the government seeking to channel the economic potential created by these major infrastructure projects into planned urban development.
The MMRDA has been appointed as the New Town Development Authority and has begun the planning and land acquisition process. The area includes villages, forests, green zones, farmland and warehousing clusters. Officials estimate that only about 104 sq km will be available for development after accounting for protected and existing land uses.
Land acquisition began in 2026, with landowners offered compensation through developed land, monetary payments, FSI or TDR. However, some villagers have opposed the process, describing it as a “land grab”. The resistance has slowed parts of the land-use survey, although the plan is expected to progress further.
Singapore-based Surbana Jurong has been appointed to prepare the master plan, including land use, transport systems and essential infrastructure.
However, urban planners have raised questions about whether Third Mumbai can avoid the challenges faced by Navi Mumbai. Despite becoming a major residential centre, Navi Mumbai continues to depend heavily on Mumbai for employment.
Gulam Zia of Knight Frank said, “In the heady planning of Navi Mumbai, the most important factor of mass rapid transport was left out.”
He added, “A mass rapid transport needs to be very fast, around 200 kmph so people can comfortably make the long distance travel daily.”
Experts believe Third Mumbai will need strong public transport, employment centres, social infrastructure and affordable housing to become a self-sustaining city rather than another commuter suburb.
Source: The Indian Express
