It is learnt that the cumbersome process of land acquisition is already under way. Leading the pack is DLF, which plans to set up a 1,000-acre township.

The company has acquired 400 acres of land for the first phase; acquisition for the second phase will begin shortly.

Similarly, another real estate big shot from Delhi, Omaxe, plans to set up a township and has acquired nearly 280 acres for the project.

Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development of Punjab, Arun Goyal, said, “It is difficult to talk more about it now. The first step is the submission of the master plan by Jurong International. Details shall be finalised only after that.”

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has signed an agreement with Jurong International to prepare the regional development plan and master plans of areas and towns situated in its jurisdiction. Sources said the Singapore-based company had already submitted a master plan, which was rejected by the Punjab government.

They are working on a new one now.

The focus is to set up housing projects in the Mullanpur area of Mohali district and to give land for industrial purposes in the Dera bassi region.

Apart from DLF and Omaxe, several other developers have submitted their plans for setting up housing projects in Mullanpur village.

Developers include the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG), Ansals and Rahejas.

Punjab government will also release a new housing policy, likely to be announced in May.