Navi Mumbai couldn’t decongest Mumbai. Can Third Mumbai do so?

The Maharashtra government's ambitious plan to develop Third Mumbai, or Karnala-Sai Chirner New Town (KSC New Town), aims to alleviate congestion in Mumbai. This vast 323.44 sq km area, encompassing 124 villages in Raigad district, is strategically situated near the Atal Setu and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The project, set to receive significant investments, is expected to generate substantial land value through the Atal Setu and NMIA infrastructure.

With MMRDA now designated as the New Town Development Authority (NTDA), the first step is creating a comprehensive land use plan, which will cover the current landscape, predominantly consisting of villages, forests, and green areas. Farmlands and warehouses near the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust are also under consideration, with the land acquisition process beginning in March 2026.

Villagers have various compensation options, including monetary payments, TDR (Transfer Development Rights), and FSI (Floor Space Index) credits. However, the process has been slow due to opposition from villagers, who view the project as a "land grab." Despite this, the MMRDA anticipates completing the land use plan by the end of August, enabling the development of the area's layout, utilities, and transport infrastructure by early 2027.