Surveys to Begin for Karnala-Sai-Chirner New Town (Third Mumbai) in 2025

The development of the Third Mumbai project, officially named Karnala-Sai-Chirner New Town (KSC New Town), will commence in 2025 with a series of surveys aimed at enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The project is designed to improve infrastructure, promote economic growth, and create a hub for technology, with a focus on locating 65% of India’s data centers in the region. 

Located in Raigad district, KSC New Town will cover an area of 323.44 square kilometers, with nearly half the land consisting of hills, forests, and farmland. The project’s core goal is to improve connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, which will reduce travel time and ease the movement of people and goods. Beyond the transport infrastructure, KSC New Town is also positioned to become a key tech hub for the country.

Survey Process and Timeline

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has invited private companies to undertake surveys that will include both aerial and ground assessments. The surveys will cover a large portion of the land, ensuring that both topography and land ownership data are accurately collected. These surveys will employ technologies like drones and Lidar mapping to gather data efficiently.

A senior MMRDA official mentioned that the surveys will begin with drone-based assessments, followed by detailed analysis using Lidar technology and other tools. These surveys will help create a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based map that will guide the project's planning and development. The initial phase of the surveys is expected to take six to eight months.

Development Strategy and Master Plan

In addition to the surveys, MMRDA has planned the creation of a vision document and a comprehensive master plan for the area. The master plan will detail infrastructure development, urban planning, and how to balance environmental considerations with the region’s growth needs.

The vision document will also serve as a roadmap for the broader economic goals of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Maharashtra aims to increase the region’s GDP to $300 billion by 2029, a target set by NITI Aayog. The project is integral to this vision, as KSC New Town is expected to drive technological and industrial growth, boosting the region’s economic standing.

The detailed master plan is expected to be completed by August 2026, with the focus on laying a foundation for sustainable development and effective infrastructure. This will involve significant input from both local and global experts, with a goal of ensuring that the new town is developed in line with modern urban standards.

Role of Public-Private Partnerships

A private firm will also be responsible for drafting the vision document and working on the long-term development strategy for KSC New Town. This collaboration between the government and private sector is seen as a critical element in ensuring the project’s success. By involving both sectors, the plan can tap into the expertise and resources of the private sector while maintaining the strategic guidance and regulation of the public sector.

Additionally, MMRDA has already entered into an agreement with the World Economic Forum to help guide the economic expansion of the region. This partnership, signed in September, will facilitate the use of international expertise in driving the region’s growth while ensuring that local goals and realities are taken into account.

Economic and Strategic Importance

The creation of KSC New Town is more than just an infrastructure project—it is a key part of Maharashtra’s broader economic strategy. The plan is to make the Mumbai Metropolitan Region a global economic hub. One of the project’s main focuses is the creation of a tech hub that will host a significant portion of the country’s data centers. This will not only help attract investment but will also create thousands of new jobs in the region, particularly in the tech and digital industries.

Furthermore, improving connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai will lead to more balanced urban development and better opportunities for growth in both cities. The new town will help decongest existing urban areas, providing space for industries, housing, and recreational facilities.

Environmental Considerations

The development of KSC New Town is being planned with environmental considerations in mind, given the area’s significant natural resources. With hills, forests, and farmland making up a substantial portion of the land, the surveys and the master plan will prioritize minimizing disruption to these areas. Proper environmental management will be necessary to ensure that growth does not come at the expense of the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

The project will require careful planning to ensure that the construction and expansion of infrastructure do not negatively impact the surrounding environment. This will include measures to protect the forests and farmland while accommodating the growing population and industrial needs.