Maharashtra Cabinet Greenlights Major Infrastructure and Land Policy Decisions
The Maharashtra state Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has taken several significant decisions aimed at boosting infrastructure development and streamlining administrative processes. In a series of approvals on Tuesday, the government cleared a comprehensive land acquisition policy for the proposed "Third Mumbai," sanctioned a substantial loan for the Purandar airport project, and transferred land for a new cricket stadium in Kolhapur.
Land Acquisition Policy for 'Third Mumbai' in Atal Setu Impact Zone
The Cabinet approved a detailed land acquisition and allotment policy for the upcoming "third Mumbai," which is planned in the influence area of the Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. This policy will govern projects undertaken by the NavNagar Development Authority and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) within this designated zone.
Land acquisition can proceed through mutual agreement under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, or under the provisions of the 2013 land acquisition law. To ensure fair compensation for landowners, the government has authorized multiple options, including cash payments, Floor Space Index (FSI) benefits, or Transferable Development Rights (TDR).
A key feature of the policy is the implementation of a 22.5 percent developed land return scheme. In cases where the returnable plot size is less than 40 square meters, compensation will be provided in cash instead. Additionally, a "pass-through" policy has been established for undeveloped areas, requiring landholders to cover acquisition costs, registration charges, and a 15 percent administrative fee payable to MMRDA. Land will be allotted on an "as-is-where-is" basis, with any future additional compensation to be recovered from the allottee.
To attract foreign direct investment (FDI), the policy prioritizes land allotment for industries bringing in FDI. Specific conditions include a minimum acquisition of 100 acres and an investment of at least Rs 250 crore within four years per 100 acres. The sale of undeveloped land is prohibited, and up to 25 percent of the developed area can be utilized for FDI-linked activities. MMRDA has been directed to formulate detailed land allotment rules and a revenue model to support these initiatives.
Rs 6,000 Crore Loan Approved for Purandar Airport Land Acquisition
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved raising a loan of Rs 6,000 crore to facilitate land acquisition for the proposed Purandar airport in Pune district. This loan will be backed by a state guarantee, ensuring financial support for the critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.
Land Transfer for International-Standard Cricket Stadium in Kolhapur
The Cabinet also sanctioned the transfer of 12.76 hectares of government land located at Mouje Vikaswadi in Karveer taluka, Kolhapur, for the development of an international-standard cricket stadium. This land will be provided free of cost to the School Education and Sports Department, promoting sports infrastructure and fostering athletic talent in the region.
Digital Reforms: Email Notices for Revenue Hearings to Cut Delays
In a move to modernize administrative procedures and reduce delays in revenue courts, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. This amendment allows notices for revenue hearings to be served via email, a shift from the traditional methods of hand delivery or postal service.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who proposed the change, highlighted that previous notice delivery methods often led to delays due to returned letters, incorrect addresses, or claims of non-receipt by parties. These issues frequently resulted in repeated postponements of hearings, clogging the system with pending cases.
With the new law, a notice sent to a party's registered email address will be considered officially served. The government anticipates that this digital reform will expedite thousands of pending land-related cases across Maharashtra. Currently, nearly 12,000 such matters are pending at the secretariat level, many stalled at the notice stage.
Bawankule emphasized that the change will create a quicker and fairer system, as the excuse of not receiving notices will no longer be valid once email notifications are legally recognized. The amendment is expected to take effect after formal notification and will apply to both existing and new revenue cases statewide, marking a significant step toward digital governance and efficiency in land dispute resolutions.
