The Maharashtra government is planning to conduct surveys in 2025 for the upcoming planned city, Third Mumbai. The area, also known as Karnala-Sai-Chirner New Town, or KSC New Town, is expected to host 65% of India's data centres in the future.
Private companies have been invited to submit proposals to carry out ground research and aerial surveys in 124 localities. The total area to be surveyed spans 323.44 square kilometres, with nearly half consisting of hills, forests, and farmland.
The surveys will begin with drone-based assessments, followed by detailed analyses using Lidar technology and other methods. Another private organisation will be responsible for preparing a vision report, a master plan, and a development strategy for the new town.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will hire a consultant to oversee aerial surveys, verify data on the ground, and collect information on land ownership. This process will include creating maps based on Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.
The surveys and preliminary research are expected to take six to eight months, with the master plan scheduled for completion by August 2026. The goal of this new city will be to increase connectivity and cut the travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
This project aligns with NITI Aayog's vision for India's development. It is part of the Maharashtra government's goal to increase the GDP of the Mumbai Metropolitan Area to USD 300 billion by 2029. In September, the World Economic Forum and MMRDA signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on promoting regional economic growth.