The News18 Marathi ‘Navi Mumbai Conclave’ brought together policymakers, urban planners, industry leaders and real estate experts to discuss the evolving urban landscape and future-ready development agenda of Navi Mumbai and Raigad. Held on February 19 in Navi Mumbai, the conclave focused on key issues such as infrastructure expansion, redevelopment and the roadmap for building smart and sustainable cities in the region.

According to a press release, the conclave served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on urban development and regional growth, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in shaping future-ready cities. The event underscored the growing significance of Navi Mumbai and Raigad as emerging hubs of infrastructure, connectivity and urban transformation.

The session featured insights from Ravindrakumar Mankar, Chief Planner at City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Prakash Baviskar, CMD of Baviskar Group of Companies, and Rasik Chauhan, Managing Director of Bhoomi Homes. The panel discussed key urban planning priorities and challenges, outlining the direction for sustainable development and the need for efficient infrastructure planning to support rapid urbanisation.

Further discussions focused on redevelopment and self-development opportunities, including issues related to MIDC, with participation from Dr. Kailas Baburao Shinde, Commissioner of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Manish Bathija, Managing Director of Paradise Group, and Prashant Patel, Director of Delta Group. The speakers highlighted opportunities in redevelopment projects and emphasised the role of policy frameworks and private participation in accelerating urban growth.

An infrastructure-focused session brought together Ganesh Shete, Additional Commissioner of Panvel Municipal Corporation, Devang Trivedi, Managing Director of Progressive Group, and Karan Sabhlok, Partner at Kamdhenu Realities. The discussion highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and supporting long-term development across Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas.

A key highlight of the conclave was a special fireside chat titled “Navi Mumbai–Raigad: Building the Smart and Sustainable Cities of Tomorrow,” featuring Aseem Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing Department, Government of Maharashtra, who attended as the Chief Guest. He shared policy perspectives on urban transformation and outlined the government’s vision for sustainable infrastructure and planned urban expansion.

The conclave was co-presented by Chetak Minerals and co-powered by Scon Infra Prestress LLP and CREDAI–Builders’ Association of Navi Mumbai (BANM), reflecting industry collaboration in advancing the region’s development goals.

The event will be telecast on News18 Marathi on February 28.