City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO)
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Initially tasked with creating a satellite town near Mumbai, Maharashtra, CIDCO now functions as the New Town Development Authority (NTDA) and Special Planning Authority (SPA) for the state government.
Its duties include comprehensive urban infrastructure planning and development, provision of municipal services, and execution of major infrastructure projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai Metro. CIDCO is also credited with launching India’s inaugural smart city initiative.
CIDCO possesses substantial land holdings and reserves amounting to around Rs 40,000 crore, solidifying its status as India’s wealthiest government authority.
Its flagship project, the Navi Mumbai 21st Century city project, is among the world’s largest planned cities. This initiative encompasses the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Panvel Municipal Corporation, TTC (Trans Thane Creek) MIDC, Uran Municipal Council, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Navi Mumbai Special Economic Zone, and India’s largest container port, JNPT.
To achieve its objectives, CIDCO has focused on land development and constructed essential physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drainage systems, sewerage systems, drinking water facilities, and street lighting.
It has also developed housing units and enhanced social infrastructure with community centers, markets, parks, educational institutions, and playgrounds.
CIDCO actively promotes commercial activities, enhances transportation, and supports the decentralization of government functions. Additionally, it collaborates with various agencies to improve public transport and telecommunications infrastructure.
CIDCO’s SPA (Special Planning Authority) operates the 22.5% Scheme, where landowners voluntarily aggregate their land for development under CIDCO-like guidelines. Upon acceptance, SPA undertakes the development of physical and social infrastructure. Landowners then receive their land back under CIDCO’s 22.5% Scheme, as approved by the government and adjusted periodically, or through cost/land sharing arrangements specific to each scheme. Remaining land within the scheme remains with SPA for project use.
The CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra) has set its sights on significantly enhancing connectivity within the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) through the expansion of the Navi Mumbai Metro network. This initiative aligns with CIDCO’s comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) aimed at transforming the region’s infrastructure landscape.
City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO)
The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), established on 17 March 1970 under the Indian Companies Act of 1956 by the Government of Maharashtra, is India’s most affluent government authority.
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Boosting Accessibility to Navi Mumbai International Airport
CIDCO, having successfully launched Line 1 of the Navi Mumbai Metro (NMM), is now poised to introduce two new metro routes specifically designed to improve accessibility to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). These extensions will not only serve the airport but also strengthen connections within the broader Navi Mumbai area.
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Securing Central Government Funding Through CMP
To pave the way for these projects, CIDCO has initiated the crucial process of appointing a consultant to develop a comprehensive mobility plan (CMP). This plan serves as a prerequisite for securing vital grant funding from the central government. In its recently presented annual budget, CIDCO has demonstrated its commitment to the project by allocating Rs 539.37 crore for NAINA’s development and Rs 690 crore specifically earmarked for metro expansion.
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NAINA: A Region Poised for Growth
NAINA encompasses a vast area of 371 sq km and includes 94 villages situated within a 25 km radius of the NMIA. The significant investment in infrastructure development underscores CIDCO’s vision for NAINA’s future growth.
In a notification issued on March 4th, the Maharashtra Urban Development Department (UDD) transferred the responsibility of developing 80 villages from CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation) to MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority). This reduces the number of villages under CIDCO’s purview within NAINA to 94.
Additionally, the UDD also transferred the development rights for the Khopta township, encompassing 33 villages, to MMRDA.
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Details of the Proposed Metro Routes
CIDCO has outlined two key routes for the metro expansion project within NAINA.
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Ulwe Coastal Road to Ambivali:
This route prioritises faster travel options between NAINA and the NMIA, aiming to significantly reduce travel times for residents and visitors alike.
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Kalamboli-Chikhale-Kon Corridor:
Designed to offer more than just airport connectivity, this route will provide convenient access to key locations like Panvel, Taloja MIDC (industrial area), and neighbouring areas.
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Collaboration for Success
Mohan Ninawe, CIDCO’s public relations officer for NAINA, emphasised the importance of these metro routes for the overall development of the network. He elaborated on plans for additional lines connecting Taloja to the airport (Lines 2, 3, and 4), the airport to Belapur (Line 1A), and Belapur to Mankhurd (Line 8A). While two metro lines are currently in the planning stage within NAINA, the long-term vision encompasses a comprehensive network.
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Comprehensive Mobility Plan: A Prerequisite for Project Approval
Ninawe highlighted the mandatory requirement of a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) as outlined by the government’s Metro Rail Policy. This plan serves as a justification for the proposed metro lines and is essential to secure central government funding and support from other agencies. Recognising this critical step, CIDCO has already initiated the tender process to enlist consultants for crafting the CMP.
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Detailed Project Report Underway
In a move to further expedite the project, CIDCO is collaborating with the Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) to develop a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed metro corridors within NAINA. Additionally, the DPR will encompass Lines 2, 3, and 4. The UMTC team is working closely with CIDCO officials to examine potential alignments that effectively connect key areas like Pendhar, Taloja, Kasadi, Kalamboli, Kamothe, Khandeshwar, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
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This collaborative effort between CIDCO and the UMTC signifies a strong commitment to developing a robust metro infrastructure that will serve the evolving needs of Navi Mumbai and the surrounding region.
