November 19, 2025: The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a new concept-based iconic city development model aimed at maximising the use of land banks owned by agencies such as Cidco. Senior officials said the policy—expected to be detailed soon—will prioritise systematic utilisation of government land while enabling agencies to develop integrated residential colonies or internationally focused commercial districts under well-defined thematic concepts.
Explaining the current limitations, an official said, “Cidco allocates plots for various uses on lease through auctions. Those who bid and win can construct projects on these plots. However, for this, the terms and conditions of the lease agreement as well as the rules of the Integrated Development Control and Promotion Rules, 2020, have to be followed.” Many of these parcels are currently held by multiple construction and development operators, which has made it difficult to complete projects uniformly in line with integrated settlement norms. To address this, Cidco’s board drafted a concept-based iconic city development policy and submitted it to the state government for approval.
Under the new framework, agencies will be allowed to appoint Construction and Development Operators (CDOs) through a competitive tender process. These CDOs will receive development rights and will also be authorised to sell residential units and commercial spaces within the project. According to officials, the policy lays out strict timelines and guidelines regarding the responsibilities of CDOs, protective measures to ensure the policy’s objectives, selection criteria for iconic development concepts, developer selection mechanisms, overall project planning, land possession protocols, revenue-sharing structures, payment norms, and project completion requirements.
Cidco operates under the state’s urban development department led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The new policy is positioned as a major step toward unlocking large tracts of under-utilised government land and promoting coordinated, high-quality urban growth in Maharashtra.
Source: The Times of India
