In a strategic move to bolster infrastructural development in the vicinity of the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has announced tenders amounting to a staggering Rs. 3114.69 Crore.
The issuance of these tenders signals CIDCO’s proactive stance towards expediting the completion of essential infrastructure works within the designated timeframe. Spanning across 174 villages within a 25-kilometre radius of the proposed airport, CIDCO’s development scope under the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) excludes gaothans, pre-existing habitations which warrant no intervention from planning authorities. This strategic decision underscores CIDCO’s commitment to respecting existing habitats while focusing on holistic development initiatives.
“We have issued tenders for carrying out works such as road development, drainage, sewage, street lighting, VUPs, PUPs besides other infrastructural development in the Town Planning Schemes (TPS) of 2 to 7 in the 94 villages falling under Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA). Those bidding for these works will have to complete the works within a period of three years,” a senior CIDCO official said “Of these 174 villages, 80 villages fall under the jurisdiction of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) since it has also taken development of certain areas, mainly along Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL),” the official said adding, CIDCO has finalised 12 town planning schemes (TPS) to develop NAINA. “Of these, infrastructural development of TPS 1 is complete and now we have issued tenders for TPS 2 to 7. We are in the process of finalising the tenders for TPS 8-12,” official added.
Notably, the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has stipulated stringent conditions for CIDCO in conjunction with environmental clearance for the NMIA project. Among these conditions, CIDCO is mandated to undertake a comprehensive revision and realignment of the masterplan and development plan for Navi Mumbai in alignment with airport development objectives. Furthermore, MoEF&CC emphasises the imperative of averting unplanned or chaotic growth in the vicinity of the proposed airport, highlighting the need for meticulous planning and regulatory oversight. Crucially, the NMIA project adopts a unique approach to land acquisition, emphasising land pooling facilitated by local villagers. Under this arrangement, CIDCO, serving as the Special Planning Authority, retains 60% of the pooled land for infrastructure development purposes, while the remaining 40% is allocated to project-affected individuals with a provision of 2.5 Floor Space Index (FSI). This innovative land pooling strategy not only streamlines the acquisition process but also mitigates the financial burden on CIDCO by obviating the need for monetary compensation to villagers.
As CIDCO spearheads efforts to transform Navi Mumbai into a burgeoning economic hub, the infusion of substantial funds and the implementation of sustainable development strategies underscore its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and infrastructure resilience. With the NMIA project poised to catalyse regional development, CIDCO’s visionary approach sets the stage for a paradigm shift in urban planning and governance, laying the groundwork for a vibrant and sustainable future.
