With Highest In 55-Year History, CIDCO Sets Record

The Record

In a landmark achievement, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has set a new record by selling a prime plot in Kharghar for Rs 2,125 crore, marking the highest land sale in its 55-year history.

The 41,994 sq. m. plot, located in Sector 23, was auctioned under CIDCO’s Plot Disposal Scheme-46 through an e-auction process designed to ensure transparency and competition. The winning bid came from Aakar Astron, which offered Rs 5,06,001 per sq. m., narrowly surpassing competitors Noble Organics Pvt. Ltd. and Lodha Developers Ltd., who bid Rs 5,05,001 and Rs 5,01,000 per sq. m. respectively.

The auction drew significant attention from major developers across the region due to Kharghar’s growing reputation as a prime residential and commercial hub within Navi Mumbai. However, the process initially faced technical delays, with some bids being withheld. Following intervention from the Bombay High Court and the Chief Minister’s Office, the bids were opened even on a government holiday, leading to the record-breaking sale.

CIDCO officials hailed the outcome as a major milestone, calling it a “vote of confidence” in both Navi Mumbai’s investment potential and the corporation’s e-auction system.

The landmark deal is expected to further boost investor confidence and accelerate infrastructure and real estate development in the rapidly expanding Kharghar node, one of the most sought-after locations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

NMMC enforces SOP to combat pollution at construction sites

The Enforcement

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has intensified its efforts to curb noise and air pollution caused by ongoing construction projects across the city. A crucial meeting, led by Assistant Director of Urban Planning Somnath Kekane, was recently held to review compliance with the newly implemented Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at reducing pollution levels.

The SOP, enforced since August 1, 2024, was introduced following a Bombay High Court order issued on December 11, 2023, under Suo-Moto Petition (PIL No. 3/2023), directing local bodies to control pollution from construction activities within the NMMC limits.

Despite the guidelines, several complaints regarding violations prompted a site inspection on October 12, 2025. Consequently, 59 developers were served notices on October 24, 2025, for non-compliance with the SOP.

The corporation has mandated developers to adopt strict environmental safeguards, including vehicle wheel cleaning, regular use of sprinklers and foggers, maintaining clean footpaths, and installing CCTV cameras at construction sites for monitoring.

Kekane emphasized that stringent penalties will be imposed on those flouting the norms and warned that repeated offenders may face work stoppages. He reiterated NMMC’s commitment to ensuring sustainable development and protecting public health.

With these measures, NMMC aims to set a benchmark for eco-conscious urban construction, reinforcing its stance on environmental responsibility and compliance within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) area.

In a major move to boost urban connectivity, the Maharashtra government is exploring the introduction of a Water Metro service connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, with a direct link to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The project aims to ease traffic congestion and provide a faster, eco-friendly travel option for commuters and air passengers alike.

According to officials, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has drafted the proposal and sought technical guidance from experts at Cochin Shipyard Limited, which successfully implemented India’s first Water Metro project in Kochi. A team from Kerala has already conducted a preliminary survey of Mumbai’s coastal and creek routes to assess feasibility.

The initial report proposes 10 operational routes and 29 passenger terminals, connecting key locations across South Mumbai, the suburbs, and Navi Mumbai. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 2,500 crore, which includes the construction of jetties, procurement of ferries, and development of supporting infrastructure.

Ashwini Bhide, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and MD of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), confirmed that the government is keen on integrating the Water Metro with existing transport systems such as the Mumbai Metro, suburban rail, and upcoming airport routes.

If approved, the Water Metro could revolutionize Mumbai’s public transport landscape, offering a sustainable and scenic alternative for intercity travel while reducing road congestion and enhancing connectivity to the Navi Mumbai International Airport.