Mohali Expansion
GMADA Accelerates Land Acquisition for Sector 87 Commercial City and Twin Industrial Parks; Aerotropolis Compensation Award Set for July 20
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has issued a notification for acquiring 502 acres of land in six villages for the expansion of commercial Sector 87 and industrial parks to be set up in Sectors 101 and 103. The acquisition process for the six villages covering 497 acres has been accelerated after GMADA fixed July 20 as the date to declare a compensation award for 3,864 acres needed for six residential pockets of the Aerotropolis project.
| Land to be Acquired (Sector 87, 101, 103) | 502 acres across six villages |
|---|---|
| Villages Affected | Durali, Saneta, Nanomajra, Sambhalki, Manakmajra and Sohana |
| Sector 87 (Commercial) Land Allocation | 19.6 acres (Manak Majra), 116.9 acres (Nanumajra), 65 acres (Sohana), one kanal (Sambhalki) |
| Sector 101 (Industrial Park) Land Allocation | 129 acres in Durali village |
| Sector 103 (Industrial Park) Land Allocation | 141.8 acres (Durali village), 29.8 acres (Saneta village) |
| Aerotropolis Compensation Award Date | July 20, 2026 |
| Aerotropolis Acquisition (Eight Villages) | 3,864 acres for six residential pockets |
| Acquisition Status | Section 11 stage following completion of mandatory social impact assessment; will be followed by notifications under Sections 19 and 30 |
| Acquisition Mechanism | Revised Land Pooling Policy |
What GMADA is Acquiring and Why
The proposed commercial Sector 87 will be developed on the pattern of Chandigarh's iconic Sector 17, the region's premier commercial and cultural hub, along with new industrial Sectors 101 and 103. In Durali village, 129 acres will be acquired for the expansion of the industrial area in Sector 101, while 141.8 acres in Durali and 29.8 acres in Saneta village will be acquired for the establishment of an industrial park in Sector 103. For the expansion of the commercial area in Sector 87, 19.6 acres in Manak Majra, 116.9 acres in Nanumajra, 65 acres in Sohana and one kanal in Sambhalki will be acquired.
Why the Acceleration in July 2026
GMADA has stepped up land acquisition for six villages totaling 497 acres after fixing July 20 as the date to declare a compensation award for 3,864 acres needed for six residential pockets of the Aerotropolis project. The acceleration reflects the authority's strategy to push multiple projects in parallel. GMADA's moves come immediately after the resolution of a three-week Pucca Morcha farmer protest, with the government having committed to a three-year development timeline and village infrastructure integration as concessions.
Acquisition Process and Timeline
The projects have progressed to the Section 11 stage after the mandatory social impact assessment was completed and cleared by the expert committee. These will be followed by notifications under Sections 19 and 30. The land is being acquired under the revised Land Pooling Policy. Under the land pooling policy, farmers are given the option of either getting paid for the land and plots.
Sector 87 as Chandigarh's Sector 17 Model
Sector 87, planned as Mohali's commercial hub modeled on Chandigarh's Sector 17, is part of the state's vision to develop Mohali and New Chandigarh as Punjab's answer to Chandigarh, with Sector 87 rising as Mohali's Sector 17. The commercial infrastructure is designed to anchor the region's commercial and cultural identity, similar to Chandigarh's landmark Sector 17, which serves the national capital territory as its premier retail and cultural destination.
Aerotropolis Compensation Award on July 20
On July 20, 2026, GMADA will declare the compensation award for 3,864 acres of land needed for six residential pockets of the Aerotropolis project, affecting eight villages. This announcement will finalize rate determination for affected farmers across the Aerotropolis residential expansion. The Aerotropolis, a 5,500-acre planned township adjacent to Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, is being expanded to accommodate new residential zones beyond the currently active Pockets A–D.
What Comes Next
Following the July 20 compensation award for Aerotropolis, GMADA is expected to accelerate land possession proceedings for both the Sector 87/101/103 projects and the Aerotropolis residential pockets. The government has committed to completing all development works within three years of award and possession, and to integrating village sewerage, water, and road infrastructure with GMADA systems. Infrastructure tenders for grid roads and utilities are likely to follow as land acquisition progresses through the statutory notification stages under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Development phases
Frequently asked questions
What is Sector 87 and how is it different from other commercial zones in Mohali?
Sector 87 is planned to be developed on the pattern of Chandigarh's iconic Sector 17, serving as Mohali's commercial and cultural hub, distinct from other commercial zones. It is being positioned as a premier retail and business destination, mirroring Sector 17's role in Chandigarh.
Why are there two separate land acquisitions happening simultaneously in July 2026?
GMADA has accelerated the 497-acre acquisition for Sector 87, 101, 103 after fixing July 20 as the date for the Aerotropolis compensation award. The two acquisitions are distinct projects—one for commercial and industrial sectors in Mohali, the other for residential pockets of the Aerotropolis near the airport.
What is the Land Pooling Policy and how does it affect farmers?
Under the land pooling policy, farmers are given the option of either getting paid for the land or receiving plots. Under the policy, farmers can avail 1,000 square yards of residential space and 200 square yards of commercial space per acre of acquired land, or if commercial space is not opted for, 1,600 square yards of residential space per acre.
When will the actual development of Sector 87 begin?
Development timelines follow land acquisition completion and infrastructure tendering. After current Section 11 status, notifications under Sections 19 and 30 will follow. The government has committed to completing development works within three years of award and possession.
How many people are affected by the July 20 Aerotropolis compensation award?
The Aerotropolis compensation award covers 3,864 acres across eight villages for six residential pockets. The exact number of individual farmers and landowners has not been specified in current notifications, but compensation rates will be announced on July 20.
What happens to villages whose land is acquired?
The government has committed to integrating village sewerage, water, and road infrastructure with GMADA systems and developing villages giving up agricultural land alongside planned townships with infrastructure integrated into GMADA's systems.
Sources
- GMADA Intensifies Land Acquisition of ~497 Acres Across Six Villages for Sector 87, 101 and 103 Expansion
- GMADA Issues Notification to Acquire 502 Acres in Six Villages of Mohali District
- Govt Notifies Resettlement Areas for Industrial Park, Commercial Hub in Mohali
- Punjab to Acquire 11,103 Acres in Mohali, New Chandigarh for Infra Push
- GMADA Launches Eco City 4 — 526 Acres to Be Acquired Across Four Villages in New Chandigarh
- GMADA Aerotropolis — Official Notices & LOI Prices
- Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) Official Website