Uran: The Maharashtra government has initiated steps to develop a ‘Third Mumbai’ in the Chirner–Sai–Karnala region, presenting it as the state’s largest master plan to date. Planned as an alternative to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the project is being touted as three times larger than both Mumbai and Dubai, according to government claims.

The new city is being planned around the Navi Mumbai International Airport to ease the mounting pressure of urbanisation and industrialisation on Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Officials say the area will emerge as a new economic hub, featuring innovation centres, an ‘Edu City,’ and technology-driven industries.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasised that with active participation from the construction sector, supported by global technology and investment, it would be possible to build a city “bigger and better than Dubai.” He has assured full government cooperation for such efforts.

Connectivity through the Atal Setu and the upcoming airport is expected to drastically cut travel time to Mumbai, enhancing the strategic importance of land in the Chirner belt.

However, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Taluka President Adv. Satyawan Bhagat has cautioned farmers against selling their land hastily. Using a proverb, he warned that landless farmers could eventually be left with nothing, urging them to safeguard their agricultural holdings even as development gathers pace.