Builders in Kolkata have begun preparing for the resumption of construction activity at high-rise projects, with several developers starting to call workers back to sites as the industry anticipates a gradual return to normal operations. 
The move comes after a period during which construction activity at several projects was disrupted. Developers are now looking to remobilise labour and restart work, particularly on high-rise residential and commercial developments where delays can affect project schedules and delivery commitments. 
The expected restart also comes against the backdrop of a regulatory update issued by the West Bengal Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs. In an order dated June 12, 2026, the state government directed that references to the National Building Code of India (NBC 2016) appearing in the West Bengal Municipal (Building) Rules, 2007, should be replaced by corresponding provisions of the newly published National Building Construction Standards 2026 (NBCS 2026) with immediate effect. 
The order covers a wide range of technical and safety requirements applicable to building construction. Among the provisions specifically listed are requirements relating to access, circulation, building services and fire safety for buildings exceeding 14.5 metres in height. The updated standards also apply to structural design covering foundations, masonry, concrete, structural steel and other construction components. 
Construction quality and safety requirements have also been included. The order refers to conformity with construction practices, safety standards, material specifications and workmanship requirements. Provisions concerning lift machine rooms, lift and escalator capacity, fire prevention and protection, basement safety, lighting and mechanical ventilation have also been updated through the new references. 
The regulatory changes extend beyond structural and fire-related requirements. The updated provisions include earthquake protection in building design, approval of alternative construction materials and methods, electrical installations, air-conditioning and heating systems, lifts and escalators, as well as water supply, drainage, sanitation and gas supply systems. Requirements concerning building and plumbing services and outdoor advertising structures are also covered. 
For developers preparing to restart projects, the return of labour to construction sites is an important operational step. Labour availability is critical for high-rise developments because construction involves multiple specialised trades working in sequence, from structural and civil works to electrical, plumbing and finishing activities. 
The industry is also focused on recovering time lost during the disruption. Developers are expected to prioritise projects where construction had already advanced significantly and where additional labour deployment can accelerate pending work. The mobilisation of workers could therefore help projects move towards their original construction schedules, subject to applicable permissions and site-level requirements. 
The broader regulatory transition to NBCS 2026 will also require developers and professionals to ensure that relevant construction and design practices correspond with the updated standards. The state government has stated that necessary amendments to the relevant provisions of the West Bengal Municipal (Building) Rules, 2007 will be made in due course. 
The order has been circulated to municipal corporations, municipalities, notified area authorities, engineering departments and other concerned government offices for information and necessary action. 
With builders now beginning to remobilise workers and the regulatory framework being aligned with the latest national construction standards, Kolkata’s high-rise construction sector is moving towards a potential restart. The pace of recovery will depend on labour mobilisation, project-level clearances and developers’ ability to bring stalled construction schedules back on track. 
Source- UDMA West Bengal Govt