Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Land Policy for 'Third Mumbai' Development
The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a land acquisition and allotment policy for development projects for 'Third Mumbai' near the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu. Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that 200 sq km of land has been handed over to the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to develop the area.
According to an official statement, the decision will apply to areas falling under the newly appointed New Town Development Authority and projects to be implemented in the future by the MMRDA. The policy aims to facilitate planned development in the impact zone of the MTHL, which is a key infrastructure project connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai. This project is expected to play a crucial role in decongesting Mumbai and promoting balanced regional growth.
The cabinet decision is expected to provide a clear framework for land acquisition and distribution, enabling faster execution of infrastructure and urban development projects in the region. In addition to the land policy, the cabinet approved a long-term loan of ₹15,000 crore from NABARD to complete water resources projects, benefiting approximately 8 lakh hectares of agricultural land across the state.
The cabinet also allocated 12.76 hectares of government land at Vikaswadi in Karveer taluka of Kolhapur district for an international-standard cricket stadium. To expedite the Purandar airport project in Pune district, the cabinet approved the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle and a loan of ₹6,000 crore for land acquisition and allied works. The loan will be repaid by state agencies, including the MIDC, MADC, and CIDCO, according to their shareholding, with the Maharashtra government providing approval and guarantee. Chief Minister Fadnavis noted that 96 per cent of the farmers have given their consent for the project.
The cabinet cleared the launch of the 'Majha Gaav, Arogya Sampanna Gaav' campaign to improve health at the village level, which will run from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2027, with an annual budget of ₹80.75 crore. Under this campaign, awards ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore will be given to gram panchayats up to the district council level.
The cabinet has approved the transfer of 1,000 acres of land at Ratnapuri Mala in Indapur taluka of Pune district to MIDC for the development of a new industrial estate. In Mumbai, the cabinet approved a joint development plan on MHADA land at Kolekalyan in Andheri to develop tennis infrastructure through the MahaTennis Foundation. It also gave a nod to the Maharashtra Public-Private Partnership Policy 2026, under which projects of more than ₹25 crore will now be cleared by the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee headed by the chief minister.
The cabinet approved amendments to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, to allow legal service of notices through email. It has sanctioned the creation of 11 new posts of additional district collectors to improve administrative efficiency, considering the increased population and geographical area. The cabinet approved the allocation of 117.19 hectares of land at Mouza Linga in Kalmeshwar taluka of Nagpur district to MIDC for a coal-to-chemical project.
The cabinet approved a budget of ₹75.13 crore for sports facilities at Katphal under the Baramati District Sports Complex, including a pavilion, swimming pool, skating rink, archery range, and basketball court. It also approved an ordinance for the settlement of pending tax, interest, penalty, and late fee dues, as well as amendments to laws related to public universities and private unaided professional educational institutions.
