The state cabinet approved a comprehensive land acquisition and allotment policy for the proposed Third Mumbai in the Atal Setu influence zone, to be implemented by the NavNagar Development Authority and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. Land acquisition will proceed through mutual agreement under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, or under the land acquisition law of 2013, and compensation will be provided through cash, floor space index or transferable development rights. The policy is intended to streamline land assembly for urban development and infrastructure projects linked to the new harbour link. The cabinet approved mechanisms to ensure clarity on entitlements and processes.

A 22.5 per cent developed land return scheme will be implemented, and if the returnable plot measures less than 40 sq m compensation will be paid in cash. A pass-through policy for undeveloped land will require landholders to bear acquisition costs, registration charges and a 15 per cent administrative charge payable to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. Land will be allotted on an as-is-where-is basis and any additional compensation awarded later will be recovered from the allottee. The policy also stipulates that sale of undeveloped land will not be permitted.

To attract foreign direct investment, the cabinet directed that industries bringing in FDI will get priority in land allotment, with a minimum acquisition of 100 acres. Each 100 acres must be backed by at least Rs 2.5 billion (bn) in investment within four years and up to 25 per cent of the developed area may be used for FDI linked activity. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has been instructed to frame detailed allotment rules and a revenue model to operationalise these provisions. The policy aims to balance industrial attraction with planned urban growth.

The cabinet approved transfer of 12.76 hectares for a Kolhapur cricket stadium and loan of Rs 60 billion (bn) for Purandar airport. An amendment to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code will allow email notices for revenue hearings, which the government expects to speed up nearly 12,000 pending land matters.