Upcoming 'Third Mumbai' initiative set to Launch in 2025

In order to build Third Mumbai in Raigad, which enhances connectivity and shortens travel times between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, a number of surveys are scheduled to be conducted in 2025. Karnala-Sai-Chirner New Town, or KSC New Town, is the new name for the Third Mumbai, which is expected to grow into a tech hub housing 65% of the country's data centers.

On Tuesday, requests for proposals from private companies were made to conduct ground research and aerial surveys in 124 villages. Nearly half of the 323.44 sq km that will be surveyed is made up of hills, forests, and farmland.

A senior MMRDA official stated, "The surveys will begin with drone-based assessments, followed by a detailed analysis using Lidar technology among others." The MMRDA will designate a consultant to carry out aerial surveys, verify information on the ground, and gather information on land ownership, which will include creating a map using a Geographic Information System (GIS).

According to the official, a different private organization will be in charge of drafting the new town's vision statement, thorough master plan, and development strategy. It is anticipated that this extensive master plan will be finished by August 2026, after a six- to eight-month period for preliminary aerial and ground investigations.

In September, the World Economic Forum and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) collaborated to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting economic growth in the area. The region's plan was initially sketched out in 2013.

KSC New Town is essential to the Maharashtra government's plan to increase the GDP of the Mumbai Metropolitan Area to $300 billion by 2029 in accordance with NITI Aayog's vision for the development of India.