The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has taken a significant step towards expanding the Mohali Aerotropolis by announcing land acquisition awards for eight villages in SAS Nagar district. The move marks a major milestone in one of Punjab’s largest planned urban development projects, aimed at transforming the area surrounding Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport into a modern residential and commercial hub.
The acquisition covers nearly 3,523 acres of land spread across the villages of Kurdi, Bari, Kishanpura, Chatt, Siaun, Matran, Patton and Bakarpur. With the declaration of the awards, the land acquisition process has entered its final administrative stage, allowing GMADA to proceed with the next phase of development.
According to officials, the compensation has been calculated separately for each village based on various factors, including location and prevailing land values. The total compensation announced under the awards runs into thousands of crores of rupees, making it one of the most substantial land acquisition exercises undertaken in the region in recent years.
Among the notified villages, Matran has been allotted the highest compensation rate, while Bakarpur, Siaun, Bari, Patton, Kurdi, Kishanpura and Chatt have also received village-specific compensation as per the approved valuation. The varying rates reflect differences in land location, accessibility and other statutory considerations.
The Aerotropolis project is being developed as an extension of the existing Aerocity township near the international airport. The proposed expansion is expected to include new residential sectors, commercial spaces, institutional areas, public facilities and supporting infrastructure. Officials believe the project will help accommodate Mohali’s growing population while creating opportunities for investment, employment and planned urban growth.
The announcement of the awards also enables GMADA to move forward with subsequent stages of the project, including taking possession of the acquired land and initiating infrastructure development. Roads, utilities and other essential services are expected to be developed in phases before the land is opened for urban development.
While the project is expected to boost the region’s long-term economic prospects, some landowners have expressed reservations over the acquisition process and compensation offered. Similar concerns have been raised during earlier phases of the project, with affected residents seeking greater consultation and clarity regarding rehabilitation and future planning.
Despite these concerns, the declaration of the awards signals that the Aerotropolis expansion is moving ahead as planned. Once developed, the project is expected to strengthen Mohali’s position as a key urban and investment destination in northern India, supported by its strategic location near the international airport and improving connectivity across the Tricity region. As development activities gather pace in the coming months, the Aerotropolis is likely to play an important role in shaping the next phase of Mohali’s urban expansion and economic growth.
