Dronagiri
The Dronagiri zone is spread over an area of 1,777 ha and is located at the southern tip of Navi Mumbai. The site is located to the east of Uran town, and is bound by the Karanja Creek on the south-east. Residential areas are located to the west and north-west of the zone, while the JNPT port area and township are located towards the north of the zone. The zone is adjacent to the JNPT port, and is located farthest from the central business districts of Belapur, Nerul and Vashi. Due to its proximity to the port, this zone is ideal for port-based industries.

The topography includes a hilly region towards the west of the zone. Owing to its peculiar topography rainfall in this region is rather heavy. In order to ensure proper drainage of the area, CIDCO has constructed holding ponds in the area to allow water to accumulate during high tide and heavy downpour. During low tide, water from the holding ponds flows back into the sea.

The zone is characterised by loose soil with lowbearing capacity, and black stiff clay. Construction work could, therefore, require pile foundation.

Basic infrastructure has already been developed in the zone, and around 350 ha (20 per cent of land) has already been sold. In addition, around 90 ha is currently being used for commercial purposes.

JNPT area
The JNPT area of around 300 ha lies to the northeast of the Dronagiri zone, and is bound by the Navghar industrial area to the south. A marshalling yard is also proposed to the south of this zone. This area is located next to JNPT port as well, and is ideally suited for port-based industries.

The characteristics of this area are similar to those of the Dronagiri zone. Some parts of the area could require landfill. The soil characteristics in the JNPT area are similar to that of the Dronagiri zone.

Kalamboli
The Kalamboli zone is spread over an area of 350 ha. The zone lies on the eastern tip of Navi Mumbai and adjoins the Taloja MIDC area. The zone is located to the east of the existing wholesale iron and steel market and is easily accessible by road from Thane, Ambernath, Taloja and the rest of Navi Mumbai. The Diva-Panvel railway line (Konkan Railway) touches the periphery of the zone. Further, the zone is located at a distance of one kilometer from the National Highway ("NH") 4 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is connected to these highways by a eight-lane road. The zone is also in close proximity to the suburban railway line connecting Mumbai to Panvel. When compared to the Dronagiri zone, the Kalamboli zone is closer to CBD Belapur. Due to its excellent linkages with other areas, the zone is ideal for manufacturing and trading activity

The Kalamboli zone is part of a low-lying alluvial bowl and is characterized by non-marshy land requiring negligible landfill. There are some undulating strips of land sloping towards west. The zone is characterized by coastal saline soils with high-bearing capacity, and is most suitable for construction activity. Due to the above characteristics, the cost of development in the Kalamboli zone is expected to be the lowest among all zones.

Nodal development of the outskirts of the zone, in terms of access roads, etc., has taken place. However, there is no development within the zone itself.

Ulwe
The Ulwe zone is spread over an area of 400 ha. The zone is situated along the south- western waterfront of the Central Business District of Navi Mumbai and extends towards the new Nhava Shava Docks (JNPT) to south. The proposed rail link between Belapur and Uran also passes through the zone. In addition, the zone is adjacent to the proposed water terminals, and is closest to south Mumbai in terms of travel times. The proposed second international airport for Mumbai is located near Ulwe.

Due to the zone's proximity to residential areas, lower commuting time from Mumbai and the proposed new international airport, this zone is best suited for service industries like OBUs, IT, biotech, airport related activities, etc.

The zone comprises undulating and marshy land that is primarily used for paddy cultivation. Considerable landfill could be required prior to any developmental activity. Therefore, development/construction costs in Ulwe are likely to be higher.