CIDCO has proved its might in urban development and planning through Navi Mumbai

- Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee

Vice Chairman & Managing Director, City & Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO)

Navi Mumbai is considered as one of the most planned cities in India. What are the key initiatives taken by CIDCO to achieve this feat?

CIDCO always envisaged Navi Mumbai to be a perfect city for living and hence, every aspect of human life was considered while planning and developing Navi Mumbai. While preparing development plan of Navi Mumbai, CIDCO divided Navi Mumbai in 14 nodes where each node is self-sustainable and equipped with all kinds of infrastructural, social, educational and medical facilities. Each node is well connected to other node. Physical infrastructure for water supply, power supply etc. has been developed keeping in view the future population growth. Apart from housing schemes in each node, CIDCO also saw that commercial activities in each node also grow. As much as 45% of Navi Mumbai's land has been set aside for greenery and open to sky uses. Therefore, we can proudly say that Navi Mumbai is one of the most planned cities in India.

Can you give us an update on the major infrastructure projects under implementation?

All the major infrastructure projects like Navi Mumbai International Airport, Metro are on fast track. Even during the pandemic induced lockdown, CIDCO ensured that the works related to these projects do not get halted. As far as Navi Mumbai Airport project is concerned, all the pre-development works in airport core area have been completed and the total 1,160 ha project area has been handed over to the concessionaire Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (NMIAL).

CIDCO appointed Maha Metro as engineering assistant for balance work on Line No. 1 and has successfully obtained the permission from Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for the commencement of commercial operation between Pendhar to Central Park stations on Line No. 1 of Navi Mumbai Metro. Also work of other stations is in full swing and is expected to complete very soon.

Various projects like Kharghar Valley Golf Course, Kharghar-Turbhe Tunnel proposed by CIDCO are also on the right track. The proposal for the implementation of the Kharghar-Turbhe Tunnel road by CIDCO will soon be submitted to the Government of Maharashtra for approval. This tunnel project will improve connectivity in Navi Mumbai and also help to decongest the traffic.

CIDCO has created record in faster construction of residential buildings recently. Can you elaborate on this? How are you taking this momentum forward?

CIDCO under its “Mission 96” has completed the construction of 12-storey residential tower consisting of 96 apartments under its Mass Housing Scheme under PMAY in Bamandongri in Navi Mumbai. CIDCO has achieved this feat with the use of world-renowned advanced precast technology. The construction started on 4 April 2022 and completed on 09 July 2022. With the use of an advance precast technology, CIDCO could ensure that the construction would be completed in less time and without compromising the quality.

CIDCO's another feat in construction came with its casting of 500 slabs in just 489 days at Sector-28, 29, 31 and 37 of Taloja node for the buildings being developed under its Mass  Housing Scheme under PMAY. CIDCO has completed the casting work with a record speed of 1.02 slabs/day. CIDCO is on fast track towards completing the construction of world-class buildings at a record speed. It will help to fulfill the dream of owning a house in Satellite City like Navi Mumbai.

What is your target in PMAY projects and what are the future plans?

Currently, CIDCO is implementing its Mass Housing Scheme of 67,000 apartments under PMAY in various nodes of Navi Mumbai. The scheme is based on the concept of 'Transit Oriented Development' in which the houses are being built in the vicinity of bus and truck terminals, railway station forecourt area in various nodes of Navi Mumbai. The Mass Housing Scheme is being implemented under different packages and the houses will also be delivered in phased manner.  Anticipating the population influx, especially in southern nodes of Navi Mumbai, due to CIDCO's mega projects like Navi Mumbai International Airport, NAINA, Corporate Park, CIDCO has planned the Mass Housing Scheme for accommodating this population influx.

What are the eco-friendly initiatives taken by CIDCO in its overall activities?

CIDCO has always made active efforts to conserve the mesmerizing surroundings of the city. As much as 45% of Navi Mumbai's land has been set aside for greenery and open-to-sky uses. A full-fledged Horticulture Department in CIDCO has developed the green landscape in the city. Among other green initiatives taken by CIDCO include massive afforestation on the hills, establishing public gardens, creation of water bodies, and nurseries.  About 1458 Ha. area of Mangroves Land in Thane taluka under CIDCO possession. So far, CIDCO has handed over 1258 Ha. of mangrove lands in Panvel & Uran tahsils and with this, CIDCO has completed the process of handing over all mangrove lands in Navi Mumbai.

How is CIDCO expanding its operations into other cities in Maharashtra?

CIDCO has proved its might in urban development and planning through Navi Mumbai and hence CIDCO was entrusted with the responsibility to develop new towns in Maharashtra. CIDCO's enviable track record of new towns collectively spread over thousands of hectares in Maharashtra. Among the prominent towns developed by CIDCO in various parts of Maharashtra are New Aurangabad, Waluj Mahanagar, Jalna New Town, New Nanded, New Nashik, Vasai-Virar Sub Region etc. CIDCO was appointed as Special Town Planning Authority for the development of these towns. Some of these new towns have been handed over to the respective local bodies. CIDCO's another great achievement in town planning in recent time is its development of Palghar District Headquarter and Palghar New Town over 440,57.90 ha. CIDCO has developed Palghar DHQ with infrastructure facilities like roads, footpaths, water and power supply, sewage and various district level buildings like Collector office, ZP office, District & Session Court buildings, office of Police Superintendent, New Administrative Buildings, staff quarter etc. The Palghar DHQ is the epitome of urban planning and has been designed for maximum convenience and administrative efficiency.

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