GURUGRAM: To expedite the long-awaited Millennium City Centre-Cyber City Metro corridor, the Haryana government has introduced a policy permitting GMRL to acquire private land through negotiated settlements. They will also maintain the option for compulsory acquisition if landowners do not cooperate.
Although most of the 29.05 km corridor runs through government-owned land, certain sections—including those near existing buildings, properties needing demolition, and a depot primarily on public land—require the acquisition of small but essential private parcels.
A GMRL official remarked, “Even minor delays in securing these areas could impact the project’s overall completion timeline.”
Announced by the town and country planning department on January 8, the policy pertains to private land essential for the metro corridor, a crucial element of Gurgaon’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan, which aims to develop almost 200 km of metro and mass transportation networks by 2041.
Under the new ‘Direct Purchase through Mutual Negotiation’ system, landowners willing to sell will receive compensation based on the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act of 2013, plus an additional 25% incentive. Rehabilitation and resettlement benefits will also be included in this total amount. Compensation will be paid directly to the landowners’ bank accounts via electronic transfer, while GMRL will cover all costs, including waiving stamp duty for land registration.
A senior GMRL official stated, “This policy is based on an open negotiation model, which is voluntary and more favorable for landowners. Compensation offered is significantly above market value, incorporating additional premiums and allowances, with upfront payments.”
Nonetheless, the policy is time-sensitive. If a landowner declines to sell, raises unresolved issues, or abstains from negotiations, the government may initiate compulsory acquisition processes under the RFCTLARR Act, 2013. In such scenarios, landowners would lose out on negotiated premiums and be subject to statutory timelines and compensation methods.
The GMRL official added, “The government will only consider the Central Land Acquisition Act, 2013 if a landowner opts not to engage in the negotiated settlement. This law applies uniformly to public infrastructure projects—including metros, highways, and railways. The act provides a defined legal process, encompassing notices, objections, compensation awards, and the right to challenge decisions in court up to the Supreme Court. This negotiated settlement policy is intended to prevent compulsory acquisition, minimize litigation, and expedite the metro project while ensuring better compensation for landowners.”
