Mumbai: Mumbai has long been India’s financial capital, but Maharashtra is now gearing up to develop a new commercial hub, Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking at the second edition of Mumbai Tech Week on February 28, highlighted the ambitious plan, positioning NAINA as the next major business magnet in the state.
“Mumbai will always be a business capital, but it has lived its time. Now, we must create a new business hub,” Fadnavis stated. He described NAINA as an upcoming urban agglomeration centered around the new Navi Mumbai International Airport in Raigad district.
The proposed city is expected to be three times larger than Mumbai and is designed to cater to evolving business needs. Positioned just a 25-minute drive from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai’s current commercial center, NAINA aims to attract industries, technology firms and global investors.
“So, I think we are heading towards creating new cities,” Fadnavis remarked, emphasizing that Maharashtra is taking a futuristic approach to urban expansion.
What is NAINA City?
NAINA (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area) is a visionary city being developed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The project aims to ease Mumbai’s congestion, create new economic opportunities and establish a sustainable urban model for the future.
A Smart and Sustainable Urban Plan
Spread across 371 sq. km, NAINA is one of India’s largest planned urban projects. It will feature a mix of residential, commercial and industrial zones, carefully structured to accommodate growing business and housing needs.
The city’s design follows a thematic development model, ensuring that different sectors, such as technology parks, financial hubs, and logistics centers, are allocated dedicated spaces. This approach is intended to create a balanced environment for industries, businesses, and residents.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
One of NAINA’s biggest advantages is its proximity to Mumbai and its well-planned connectivity. The city will be linked to the financial capital through:
– The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL): A crucial sea bridge that will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
– A proposed metro network: Ensuring seamless public transportation within NAINA and nearby regions.
– Well-developed highways: Providing easy access to business districts like Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and industrial zones across Maharashtra.
These infrastructural advancements make NAINA a prime investment destination for businesses, particularly in sectors such as IT, finance, and logistics.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Development
NAINA has been designed as an eco-friendly city that prioritizes sustainability. CIDCO plans to integrate:
– Ample green spaces and parks to promote a cleaner environment.
– Efficient waste management systems to ensure sustainable living.
– Smart water supply solutions to minimize wastage and promote conservation.
Additionally, NAINA will follow a low-carbon development model, reducing emissions and encouraging green building practices.
Land Pooling Model: A Unique Development Approach
One of the standout features of NAINA is its land pooling model. Instead of displacing landowners, CIDCO has created a framework where locals become stakeholders in the city’s progress. Under this model:
– Landowners contribute their land to the development pool.
– They receive a portion of the developed land in return.
– The value of their land increases significantly due to urbanization.
This approach ensures that development is inclusive and benefits local communities rather than forcing displacement.
Boosting Economic Growth and Decentralization
As Mumbai continues to struggle with congestion and infrastructure limitations, Maharashtra is moving towards decentralized urbanization. NAINA plays a key role in this transition by creating an alternative economic hub that will reduce pressure on Mumbai while offering world-class infrastructure for businesses and residents.
With its modern amenities, superior connectivity and sustainable planning, NAINA is set to redefine urban living and create a new era of development beyond Mumbai’s traditional boundaries.
