Noida Authority will hold its board meeting on March 28 to finalise the INR 9,000 crore budget for FY 2025-26. Key discussions include stalled group housing projects under the rehabilitation policy, amendments to allotment policies, farmers' compensation, and infrastructure development, including rural village improvements and new industrial sector planning.

Madurai Corporation has collected INR 251 crore in property tax, achieving 80% of its INR 310 crore target for 2024-25. Despite meeting the Central Finance Commission's growth mandate, challenges persist due to litigation, misclassification, and enforcement gaps. Critics allege poor transparency and limited civic spending despite increased collections driven by the 2022 tax revision.

A high-level committee’s proposal to reduce the required documents for deemed conveyance from ten to seven awaits the Maharashtra government’s approval, over a year after submission. The move aims to ease land ownership transfer for housing societies, 62% of which currently lack conveyance. Societies urge swift action to expedite implementation.

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has approved a INR 418.4 crore redevelopment project for Tulsi Niketan, including reconstruction of 2,004 EWS and 288 LIG flats. The dilapidated complex will be rebuilt under a PPP model. Residents will be temporarily relocated, though ownership issues may challenge redevelopment progress.

The Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) has announced a INR 99 crore project to build a seven-floor apartment complex, Heritage Heights, at Kenchalagudu near Mysuru. Offering 196 two and three-bedroom flats with modern amenities, the project addresses high housing demand as MUDA’s group housing plans remain on hold.

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has intensified action against illegal commercial activities in residential zones across Gurugram’s DLF 1-5 areas. Following a task force meeting on 5 March 2025, authorities plan to seal 614 illegally converted residential plots.

Godrej Properties Limited has acquired approximately 10 acres in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, with plans to develop around 1.5 million sq ft of premium residential units and high street retail. Strategically located along NH-44, the project holds an estimated revenue potential of INR 2,500 crore, strengthening GPL’s presence in North Bengaluru.

DLF plans to invest approximately INR 20,000 crore in the medium term to develop commercial properties, including offices and retail spaces. Its rental arm, DCCDL, has commenced construction of 75 lakh sq ft in Gurugram, expanding DLF’s annuity business portfolio from 44 million sq ft to 73 million sq ft.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) sealed 1,970 properties of tax defaulters in the West Zone, collecting INR 1.78 crore in property tax in a day. Similar actions in other zones resulted in additional collections. AMC warned of water and sewer disconnections if dues remain unpaid by 31st March.

The Calcutta High Court ordered the demolition of three illegal floors in Watgunge, directing KMC and police to evict 53 occupants by May. The court criticised KMC officials for suppressing facts and noted an FIR against the petitioner appeared to be an attempt to silence them during proceedings.

The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) demolished unauthorised constructions, including a penthouse and commercial structure, at a three-storeyed building in Dhar Kothi. The demolition, carried out under Zone 11, is part of IMC's ongoing crackdown on illegal constructions, according to additional commissioner Lata Agrawal.

Madhya Pradesh has allocated 486.6 hectares in Shajapur and Dewas districts for the Polay Kalan-Pipalrawan industrial area. The Rs 200-crore project, expected by 2028, aims to attract industries, particularly MSMEs, by offering modern infrastructure, connectivity, and incentives. Plans include roads, commercial zones, residential areas, and essential civic amenities.

Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal urged real estate agents to prioritise transparency and trust, as India’s real estate sector is projected to reach INR 85 lakh crore by 2030. Additionally, the government approved constructing over 3.52 lakh houses across 10 states and UTs under PMAY-Urban 2.0.

Quick commerce players Zepto and Blinkit are expanding into planned bulk grocery shopping, offering bulk deals and significant discounts. Zepto’s Super-Saver gives deep discounts but demands higher minimum order value. Blinkit maintains a premium strategy, while Swiggy Instamart balances both. This strategic shift challenges quick commerce’s high-cost perception, competing with traditional online grocers like BigBasket.

India’s housing market saw a 23% drop in sales and a 34% decline in new supply across the top nine cities in Q1 2025, as per PropEquity. While Bengaluru and Delhi NCR showed resilience, other cities faced steep downturns. Despite challenges, the absorption-to-supply ratio remained robust at 131%.

At the NAREDCO NextGen Conclave 2025 in Mumbai, Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced MSRTC’s 3,360-acre land development plans. The event launched a Digital Learning Hub for young professionals and featured discussions on financing, urban planning, innovation, affordable housing, and sustainability. New NAREDCO NEXTGEN committee members were introduced.

The CBI has filed three FIRs over alleged irregularities in Noida’s Sports City projects between 2011 and 2014, resulting in an estimated INR 9,000 crore scam. FIRs were registered against three developers and Noida Authority officials, following Allahabad High Court orders, with allegations of significant state exchequer losses.

Hermes Distillery has acquired ten luxury apartments in Prestige Ocean Tower, Marine Lines, Mumbai, for INR 199.35 crore. Covering a total built-up area of 25,650 sq ft, the transaction includes 30 car parking spaces. Registered in January 2025, the deal incurred INR 11.96 crore in stamp duty charges.

The BMC is developing a mobile app and tracking system to monitor construction and demolition waste, preventing illegal dumping in water bodies and mangroves. The system mandates geotagged images, real-time updates, and predefined routes for transporters. As of now, two C&D processing plants, each handling 600 tonnes daily, operate at 60% capacity.

Aspiring homebuyers from EWS and LIG categories are protesting against Cidco’s mass housing scheme, citing inflated prices and reduced home areas. Despite 150,000 applicants, only 21,399 paid the booking amount. Prices range from INR 25 lakh to INR 97 lakh, excluding extra charges, prompting legal action and planned protests.

MMRDA is set to start construction of Metro Line 14, connecting Mumbai and Badlapur, within a year. The 39-km route, costing INR 18,000 crore, will significantly cut travel time. Preparations include appointing a consultant for environmental approvals, with construction bids expected post state government clearance.

Actors Huma Qureshi and Saqib Qureshi have rented a 3,370 sq ft luxury villa in Mumbai’s Juhu for INR 10 lakh monthly rent. The five-year lease includes a 48-month lock-in, INR 30 lakh security deposit, and 10% rent escalation. The villa features a swimming pool, garden, and four-car parking.

The Bombay High Court dismissed a plea by Versova stable owners opposing eviction from land they had occupied for over 60 years, clearing the way for a slum rehabilitation scheme at Ramdas Nagar. The court ruled they were trespassers with no claim to additional compensation, supporting the BMC and developer’s redevelopment efforts.

HDFC Capital, the real estate private equity arm of HDFC Group, has partnered with developer Total Environment to establish a INR 1,300 crore platform for residential projects in Bengaluru. Adding 6.5 million sq ft to ongoing developments, the projects will have a combined GDV exceeding INR 10,100 crore over the next five years.

Despite concerns about the residential real estate market peaking, the outlook for office real estate remains robust, with listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) benefiting from strong demand. India’s office market saw record leasing in 2024, driving REIT outperformance by 20-30% points year-to-date, declining vacancy rates of about 16%, rental growth, and increased investor interest across key commercial segments.

Vakola’s largest 3,000 sq.mtr. open space, Bona Miranda Garden, opened after a 12-year campaign by former corporator Brian Miranda. The land, initially withheld by Grand Hyatt hotel, was finally handed over following legal and civic intervention. The garden offers recreational space for children, women, and senior citizens.

The Union cabinet has approved a six-lane, access-controlled 30-km highway connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port with the Mumbai-Pune and Mumbai-Goa highways. The project will require diversion of over 24 hectares of forest land, felling at least 11,500 trees, and will pass through wetlands, water bodies, and the eco-sensitive Karanja creek.

• InterGlobe Hotels and Accor have announced the opening of their 25th Ibis property in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. The hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers. InterGlobe Hotels (IGH) plans to expand in key markets, focusing on cities with strong demand and higher average room rates, President and CEO JB Singh stated.

• Jio Finance is likely to postpone its planned INR 3,000 crore maiden bond issue, originally set for this month. The delay follows expectations of a 25 basis point repo rate cut by the RBI’s MPC in April, which could soften yields. The company had planned to raise funds via five-year bonds.

• Bain Capital has signed definitive agreements to acquire joint control in Manappuram Finance, India’s second-largest gold loan company. It will invest INR 4,385 crore for an 18% stake via a preferential allotment, triggering an open offer for an additional 26%. Bain’s total stake could reach 41.7%, pending regulatory approvals.

• Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco plans to invest INR 45,000 crore over the next three to four years in its aluminium, copper, and speciality alumina businesses. Projects include new copper and aluminium smelters, recycling plants, and foil production. Funding will rely on internal accruals, with no plans for debt in FY26, although Novelis may consider refinancing in Q4 FY26.

• Embassy Developments Ltd (EDL), through its subsidiary Embassy East Business Park Pvt Ltd, has agreed to sell a 25-acre land parcel in Whitefield, Bengaluru, to Lam Research (India) for INR 1,125 crore. EDL views this strategic asset monetisation as a means to deliver sustained value to stakeholders and cater to the rising demand for commercial infrastructure in high-tech industries.

• The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is set to implement a toll hike of up to 20% on the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Expressway from April 1. The final 76 km stretch towards Mumbai is yet to open. The toll rates for light motor vehicles will increase from INR 1.73 to INR 2.06 per km, with similar hikes across all vehicle categories. MSRDC plans to collect tolls over a 40-year tenure.

• Residents of Towers A, B, and C at Chintels Paradiso Group Housing Society in Gurugram have been ordered to vacate their flats immediately after a structural audit by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) deemed them unsafe. The directive mandates the evacuation within 15 days. This follows the partial collapse of six floors in Tower D on 10 February 2022, which resulted in two fatalities. 

• Aruna Babulal Varma, wife of Omkar Realtors' promoter Babulal Varma, has purchased a luxury apartment in Mumbai’s Worli for INR 68 crore. The apartment, located in Four Seasons Private Residences, spans 5,291 sq ft, along with a 310 sq ft balcony and an exclusive 922 sq ft area. The transaction was registered on 6 March 2025 at INR 1.29 lakh per sq ft, with INR 3.42 crore paid in stamp duty and INR 30,000 registration fee.

• Oberoi Realty’s board has approved a securities subscription agreement with Alpha Wave Ventures II, LP, Vikas Oberoi, and I-Ven Realty. Alpha Wave Ventures will invest INR 1,250 crore for a 21.74% stake in I-Ven. I-Ven will also undertake a rights issue of redeemable preference shares at INR 400 each.

• Ravi Puravankara, founder and chairman of Puravankara Ltd, has acquired 12 commercial units in Business Park 2, Marol, Andheri, Mumbai, for INR 242 crore. The units range from 6,749 sq ft to 9,998 sq ft, with individual prices between INR 15.65 crore and INR 23.19 crore.. 

• The Supreme Court ruled that government-acquired land for public purposes cannot be nullified by private agreements creating third-party rights. The decision, by CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, addresses delays in public projects. It arose from the Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board’s unlawful attempt to return acquired land.

• Nearly 60 residents were safely evacuated from Sai Sapphire in Powai after a fire spread through the building’s electric duct from the ninth to the 21st floor. Mumbai fire brigade extinguished the blaze by noon. Later, another fire in Andheri East injured four firefighters. Fire incidents rose 5% in 2024.

• Around 600 homebuyers of RG Luxury Homes in Greater Noida West will soon receive possession of their units after the builder secured occupancy certificates for three more towers under the reverse insolvency process. This marks the district’s first stalled project revived through NCLT’s order, with seven out of nine towers now completed.

• Billionaire Gautam Adani is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire the India operations of Dubai-based Emaar Group for around USD 1.4 billion. The deal would significantly expand Adani’s real estate portfolio, which includes major projects in Mumbai and Dharavi. Emaar India’s assets span Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

• Cognizant Technology Solutions has sold its 13.68-acre property in Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Chennai, to Bengaluru-based Bagamane Constructions for INR 612 crore. The site, formerly Cognizant’s India headquarters, spans 400,000 sq ft. Bagamane plans to redevelop it into mixed-use high-rises, aligning with development trends along Chennai’s OMR corridor.

• The Gujarat government is likely to delay the implementation of the revised jantri rates for 2024, originally set for April 1, due to strong opposition from citizens and the real estate sector. The proposed increase in land valuations has sparked concerns, prompting extended consultations and consideration of political and administrative factors.

• Prashanthi Balamandira Trust (PBT) launched the nation’s largest public offering on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) to raise INR 18 crore. The funds will support a new emergency and trauma care facility at the upcoming world’s largest free hospital in Sathya Sai Grama, near Bengaluru.

• Grand Continent Hotels opened its IPO for subscription targeting INR 74.4 crore through fresh equity shares and an offer for sale by its promoter. Priced between INR 107 and INR 113 per share, the SME IPO proceeds will fund debt reduction and expansion plans, drawing interest from retail and HNI investors.

• Ashok Leyland, part of the Hinduja Group, inaugurated a state-of-the-art bus plant near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The facility will produce 4,800 conventional and electric buses annually, including Switch Mobility models. Featuring solar power and water conservation systems, it promotes eco-friendly transport and local workforce upskilling.

• Nisus Finance has completed its first exit from its Real Estate Special Opportunities Fund-1 (RESO-I), redeeming its INR 105 crore investment in listed NCDs issued by Suvita Real Estate, part of Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate. The investment was made earlier this year towards a 12.16-acre land parcel in Manjri Budruk, Pune, aimed at boosting SPRE’s affordable housing portfolio.

• Following a deadly fire in Rajkot, Gujarat, that killed three delivery workers, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation intensified fire safety enforcement. Notices were issued to 144 of 180 high-rises inspected for lacking valid fire NOCs. The crackdown follows the Atlantis building tragedy, which had not renewed its fire NOC since 2015.

• Etonhurst Capital Partners has secured over INR 180 crore in the first close of its INR 500 crore debut fund, targeting redevelopment projects in Mumbai. Investors include family offices, HNIs, and The Guardian Real Estate Advisory. The SEBI-registered Category II AIF aims to revitalise key residential areas, with over 60% deployment planned this year. 

• The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has raised the floor area ratio (FAR) to 80% for industrial plots up to 500 sqm under a central government scheme. The reforms aim to address land scarcity, offering SMEs flexibility for multi-storey development. Reduced setbacks and higher FARs will boost Ghaziabad’s industrial growth.

• The Property Consultants' Association of Chandigarh urged the deputy commissioner to allow a four-month grace period before implementing new collector rates from April 1. They also requested rationalisation of rates, suggesting a 30% reduction for commercial properties and limiting residential and society flat hikes to 20%-30% to sustain market activity.

• A high-level meeting, led by Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrakant Bawankule, addressed the demolition of 65 illegal buildings in Dombivli. Authorities were instructed to submit reports within four days. The government may relax rules or approach the Supreme Court to safeguard genuine homebuyers, ensuring residents are not rendered homeless.

• Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released the first instalment of INR 151 crore to 36,000 families under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana, granting INR 45,000 each for house construction. He also announced housing initiatives for migrant workers and allotted plots under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana 2.0.

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has debarred 14 user fee collection agencies for irregularities at toll plazas, following raids at Atraila Shiv Ghulam Toll Plaza in Uttar Pradesh. Their performance securities worth over INR 100 crore have been forfeited. NHAI plans seamless transitions to new operators.

• Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) has invited tenders to prepare detailed project reports for two new metro corridors in Gurugram. The first, a 17km line from Bhondsi to Gurgaon Railway Station, aims to ease congestion on Sohna Road and NH-8. The second is a 13.6km line from Golf Course Extension Road to Sector 5.

• The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) inspected an allegedly illegal concrete structure built by a media company in CRZ 1A at Dando, Candolim. Citizens' group CCF claims it violates CRZ rules, destroying sand dunes and vegetation. GCZMA will submit a report, with legal action threatened if no steps are taken.

• The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Amendment Bill 2025 was approved in the Legislative Council. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar explained it aims to officially recognise private layout roads as public roads, prevent disputes over land ownership, and empower BBMP to seal illegal constructions. The amendment also ensures council approval for levies.

• Tenants in Pune and Mumbai will soon no longer need to visit police stations for verification, as the registration department plans to integrate its data with the police network across 217 police stations. The system, previously piloted in Pune, will roll out in April and cover all of Maharashtra by month-end.

• Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) will impose a special amenity fee on commercial and mixed land use properties in designated areas, amounting to 25% of the development charge. Applicable within 500 metres of the Namo Bharat and metro corridors, this fee affects shops, malls, and other establishments, aligning with the transit-oriented development policy.

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• The MMRDA plans to cut nearly 10,000 trees in Uttan, Bhayandar, for a Metro 9 car depot, sparking environmental concerns. This figure surpasses tree-felling at Aarey Colony for Metro 3. Environmentalists criticised the lack of transparency, inadequate public notice, and potential ecological damage, urging alternative solutions and detailed disclosures.

• The BMC has proposed changing the reservation of 60 land parcels between Goregaon and Dahisar to accommodate Phase 2 of the Mumbai Coastal Road project. While these plots were previously earmarked for public amenities under Development Plan 2034, the updated blueprint extends the Coastal Road’s alignment to Dahisar, requiring revised reservations.

• Strategic Value Partners (SVP) has agreed to acquire Senator, an office building at 85 Queen Victoria Street in the City of London, for over GBP 60 million—about 60% below its original GBP 157 million asking price in 2021. The deal highlights falling valuations for all but prime, sustainable office spaces post-pandemic.

• The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled that a legal owner, whose name is added to a property title out of affection, is not liable for capital gains tax if they are not the beneficial owner.

• The NCLAT has ruled that developers must transfer common area management to a registered apartment owners' association, even if the project is incomplete. The decision, in favour of Supernova Apartments Owners Association in Noida, clarifies that insolvency proceedings cannot prevent homebuyers from taking control of maintenance from builders or third-party agencies.

• The Trump Organisation is entering India’s commercial real estate sector with Trump World Center Pune, a 1.6 million sq ft office project in Koregaon Park annexe, developed with Tribeca Developers and Kundan Spaces. With INR 1,700 crore investment, it marks their first commercial project in India. There are currently four residential Trump Tower properties in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, and Kolkata.

• Mumbai’s historic Laxmi Nivas bungalow on Nepean Sea Road, once a secret refuge for freedom fighters during the Quit India Movement, has been sold for INR 276 crore. The 19,891 sq ft property was purchased by Vageshwari Properties, linked to Elina Nikhil Meswani, wife of Reliance Industries' executive director Nikhil Meswani.

• Residents of Dadar's iconic Five Gardens are split over a proposal to cover one of the gardens with a mesh. Concerns arose when iron angles and mesh were seen being brought to the site. Some locals fear the mesh could deteriorate over time and then be replaced with iron grills.

• Prologis, the world's largest logistics real estate firm, plans to invest USD 1 billion in India over the next five to seven years, doubling its earlier commitment. It has already invested USD 300 million in land acquisitions across Bengaluru and Chennai and plans to develop 6 million sq ft of warehousing.

• Thailand-based Minor International Plc, operator of Minor Hotels and brands such as Anantara, Avani, and NH Hotels, aims to establish 50 hotels in India by 2035. Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier confirmed the launch of the Anantara Jewel Bagh hotel in Jaipur and ongoing expansion plans targeting Tier I and II cities.

• The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a six-lane, access-controlled greenfield National Highway connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Pagote) to Chowk village on the Old Pune Highway. Estimated at INR 4,500 crore, the 29.2-km project will improve connectivity to JNPA Port and Navi Mumbai International Airport, boosting logistics efficiency and regional development.

• India plans a INR 4,000 crore capex-led expansion at Iran’s Chabahar Port, targeting a five-fold increase in capacity to 500,000 TEUs over ten years. India Ports Global Ltd is also expanding operations in Myanmar’s Sittwe Port and Sri Lanka’s Kankesanthurai Port, enhancing regional connectivity.

• Maharashtra’s government announced aerial ropeways at Elephanta Islands, Alibaug Fort, Matheran, Raigad, Pratapgad, Sinhagad, and Mahabaleshwar, in collaboration with National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), under the Union transport ministry. Contractors will receive 30-year land leases, with state agencies sharing equity and revenue. Additional sites include Jejuri, Sajjangad, Ajinkyatara, Thoseghar, and Renuka temple.

• Hyderabad registered 5,900 properties worth INR 3,925 crore in February 2025, marking a year-on-year decline. However, registrations rose 10% month-on-month. Homes priced above INR 1 crore grew 1% YoY, while larger units gained popularity. Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts led registrations, with high-value deals concentrated in Central and Western Hyderabad.

• Starting 1 April, Bengaluru’s BBMP will impose strict penalties on property tax defaulters, charging an amount equal to the outstanding dues plus 15% annual interest. The relaxation under the amended BBMP Act ends 31 March. BBMP has collected INR 4,604 crore so far, achieving 88% of its fiscal target.

• McDonald’s will establish its India office and a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, creating 2,000 jobs. Chairman & CEO Chris Kempczinski cited Hyderabad’s talent, infrastructure, and quality of living as reasons for the choice. McDonald’s will also expand community programmes and source agricultural produce locally, boosting Telangana’s economy.

• The Supreme Court has directed the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) to reveal the financial liabilities that would have arisen had the original builder completed an abandoned housing project. The court strongly rebuked the authority for its lack of cooperation in attempts to revive a project that has long been stalled as the developer absconded.

• The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has initiated the process of appointing an agency to demolish 336 high and mid-income flats at Signature View Apartments, Mukherjee Nagar, after they were declared structurally unsafe. The demolition follows an IIT Delhi report recommending the immediate dismantling of the towers for safety reasons. Demolition is expected to be completed within 120 days of site handover. 

• A special investigation team (SIT) probing land document manipulation in Mumbai's coastal regulation zones (CRZ) and no development zones (NDZ) has arrested a city survey officer and a senior clerk. Sambhuraje BabanRoa Wable (47), a city survey inspector, and Sanjay Dhodke (54), a senior clerk from the Goregaon city survey office, were taken into custody for allegedly tampering with land records to assist builders and developers in seizing properties.

• The Supreme Court criticised the Uttarakhand government for its sluggish action against senior officers accused of involvement in illegal constructions within the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The court noted a stark contrast in the state's swift action against junior officers, such as rangers and deputy rangers, compared to its slow pace in holding senior officials accountable.

• Residents living near Pune’s Shaniwarwada have urged authorities to relax no-development regulations to allow essential repairs and construction on their ageing structures. A 1998 notification, implemented in 2003, prohibits development within 100 metres of the heritage monument. Locals claim that construction has been halted for two decades, leaving many properties in a dilapidated condition.

• The Nashik Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), under a central government-funded town planning scheme for areas near cities, is set to develop Chandshi village. Residents of Chandshi village in Nashik emphasised the need for smaller-sized plots as they believe smaller plots will be easier to sell at suitable rates. Farmers will receive 60% of the developed plots, complete with basic infrastructure.

• DMart has signed a 29-year 11-month lease with Migsun Group for 35,000 sq ft of retail space at Migsun Mi Gente Mall, Raj Nagar Extension, Ghaziabad, with a monthly rent of INR 21 lakh. Previously, DMart purchased 47,000 sq ft in Migsun’s Rohini project for INR 108 crore. In 2024, it also acquired a 1.2-acre plot in Chandivali, Mumbai, for over INR 117 crore.

• The demand for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in India is rising, driven by strong hiring from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and increasing return-to-office mandates, according to a report by Jefferies. Corporates are showing a growing preference for REIT-backed office spaces. Jefferies noted that office vacancy levels declined by 1.5 percentage points in 2024.

• After extensive hearings, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) ordered the demolition of several illegal residential structures along Arambol’s Girkarwada coast for lacking proof of existence before 1991 or official permissions. Proceedings continue in other cases, while notices were withdrawn for fisherfolk’s storage structures and religious sites.

• The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) plans to propose a INR 8,000 crore budget for 2025-26, focusing on constructing a new civic building, Bilawali Pond restoration, and new revenue initiatives. No new taxes are planned, but property tax slabs remain unclear. IMC aims for financial self-sufficiency and enhanced property tax recovery.

• In a boost to financially strained urban local bodies, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved the transfer of INR 112 crore collected from the Layout and Building Regularisation Schemes to 40 municipalities. Additionally, municipalities will regain financial autonomy, including the power to clear contractor bills independently, to expedite developmental works.

• The BMC’s G-North ward office is considering relocating the Dadar Kabutarkhana following long-standing complaints about health hazards from pigeon droppings and feathers. Locals cite respiratory and skin issues, while concerns over food contamination persist. Authorities are exploring alternate sites, though heritage status and stakeholder opinions complicate the decision.

• Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd (CDEL) has reached a INR 205-crore settlement with Ares SSG Capital Management, to be paid over three years. This follows the NCLAT’s decision on 27 February to set aside bankruptcy proceedings initiated by IDBI Trusteeship over an alleged INR 228 crore default, after Supreme Court intervention.

• CIDCO is constructing 67,235 affordable housing units in Navi Mumbai under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), catering to EWS and LIG segments. Spread across 600 acres and 20 locations, these 1BHK homes start at around INR 25 lakh. The project, 65% complete, is set for phased completion by 2027.

• Five private credit funds, including Davidson Kempner, Cerberus Capital, Ares Management, Farallon Capital, and One Investment, will contribute 75% of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s USD 3.3 billion (INR 28,600 crore) fund-raising. The funds will refinance debt secured against the promoters' 18.4% stake in Tata Sons. Completion is expected by early April.

• Brookfield Corp divested a 5.13% stake in Brookfield India Real Estate Trust (BIRET), selling 3.12 crore units for INR 883 crore via open market deals. Post-sale, Brookfield retains over 26% holding, remaining BIRET’s largest unitholder. Meanwhile, 360 ONE Portfolio Managers and 360 ONE Prime acquired 1.94% for INR 333.94 crore.

• State-owned Canara Bank has raised INR 4,000 crore through 10-year tier-II bonds at a 7.46% annual coupon rate. The bonds, rated AAA by Crisil, are callable after five years. The issue included a INR 1,000 crore base and a INR 3,000 crore greenshoe option. Canara Bank’s capital adequacy ratio stands at 16.44%.

• IndusInd Bank raised INR 11,000 crore by issuing certificates of deposit (CDs) across six maturities, priced between 7.80% and 7.90%, to strengthen its funding position following an INR 2,000 crore accounting discrepancy. The move follows RBI’s assurance of the bank’s adequate capital, signalling a potential revival in investor confidence.

• The Bombay High Court discharged Adani Enterprises, Gautam Adani, and Rajesh Adani from an SFIO case alleging share price manipulation. The Court ruled there was no evidence of cheating or conspiracy under IPC provisions, rejecting SFIO’s plea to delay the discharge for appeal in the Supreme Court.

• A new foot overbridge (FOB) directly linking Devipada Metro station on Line 7 with SkyCity Mall in Borivli East has been opened, enhancing pedestrian access and easing traffic congestion. Fully funded by Oberoi Realty under a PPP model, similar connectivity plans are proposed for other Metro stations, encouraging integrated urban mobility across Mumbai.

• NTT Data plans to invest USD 500 million annually in expanding its India data centre business, focusing on organic growth rather than acquisitions. With a 30% market share and significant upcoming capacity, India ranks among NTT’s top markets. The company also prioritises upskilling to address the global tech talent shortage.

• Adani Green Energy is reportedly seeking to revive its USD 1-billion renewable energy project in Sri Lanka, despite earlier plans to withdraw. Negotiations over tariff rates continue, with both sides aiming for a mutually agreeable rate. The project could commence by June 2025.

• Air India has relocated its booking office from the iconic Air India building at Nariman Point to CR2 Mall, marking the end of its presence in the 23-storey landmark. The move follows the building’s INR 1,600 crore sale to the state government and Air India’s ongoing transformation post-privatisation by Tata Group.

• Two new features of Mumbai’s Coastal Road—an expansive 7.5-km promenade and a 550-metre vehicular underpass—are set to open before the monsoon. The INR 13,000-crore project includes landscaped green spaces, pedestrian underpasses, and improved connectivity from Marine Drive to BWSL. CSR initiatives are enhancing 70 hectares of public open spaces.

• Religare Enterprises Ltd. has initiated a governance review of its operations and subsidiaries, appointing Trilegal and Grant Thornton Bharat LLP for the task. This follows a leadership overhaul, with the Burman Group acquiring control. The board also identified a cash flow gap and is seeking immediate funding support from its new promoters.

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reduced India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.4% from 6.9%, citing policy uncertainty. FY27 projections were also lowered to 6.6%. Despite this, India is expected to remain the fastest-growing major economy. OECD forecasts higher inflation than the Reserve Bank of India for upcoming years.

• Bajaj Finserv announced that it will acquire Allianz SE's 26% stake in Bajaj Allianz Life and General Insurance for INR 24,180 crore. This move will raise Bajaj Group’s ownership in both ventures to 100%, pending regulatory approvals. The acquisition marks the amicable end of their 24-year joint venture.

• The Adani Group plans INR 1.1 lakh crore capital expenditure for FY26, focusing on energy and infrastructure. It aims to finance INR 60,000 crore internally, with reduced borrowing costs aiding debt management. Adani Ports plans INR 80,000 crore capex by FY29, while the Navi Mumbai airport is set for commissioning next quarter.
• The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will launch urban freight services in partnership with Blue Dart, transporting cargo during non-peak hours. Inspired by Madrid Metro, DMRC plans phased implementation across its network. Using the last coaches of early trains, this initiative aims to reduce road congestion and emissions. 
• Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) plans to enter metro operations and maintenance, partnering with Germany’s Deutsche Bahn for Bangalore Metro. RVNL is building metro projects across Indian cities and aims to expand internationally to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE, Turkey, and Peru, targeting 50% of its order book from overseas projects.
• The government plans to review the Toll Operate Transfer (ToT) model to enhance viability and attract investors. Both ToT and InVIT will be pursued under the INR 10 lakh crore National Monetisation Pipeline. Revised concession agreements for ToT and BoT are expected in April, focusing on risk balance and efficient logistics.
• After a two-decade delay, the Bombay High Court cleared the construction of a hotel in Sector-15, CBD-Belapur, Navi Mumbai. The project by PVP Star Hotels, tendered by CIDCO in 2006, was stalled due to the delayed Navi Mumbai International Airport. CIDCO terminated the lease in April 2018, took possession of the plot, and demanded an additional lease premium of INR 12 crore. The court upheld CIDCO’s demand for the additional lease premium.
• Surat recorded India’s highest year-on-year warehousing growth in 2024, adding 1.6 million sq ft—a 98% rise—driven by major firms like Reliance Retail and Whirlpool. Ahmedabad led Gujarat with 5.8 million sq ft. While Vadodara and Vapi saw declines, Gujarat’s warehousing sector overall posted a robust 27% year-on-year growth.
• Land registrations in Kerala have declined by 32.37% over the past decade, with sale deeds dropping 42.54%. Despite this, revenue rose due to a 264% increase in land fair value. The registration department collected INR 5,013 crore by February 2025, and has set a collection target of INR 6,382 crore for 2024-25.
• BBMP’s special commissioner directed officials to expedite property tax collection before the 2024-25 fiscal year ends. With INR 4,604 crore collected against a INR 5,210 crore target, stringent penalties, including 100% fines and up to 15% interest, will apply from April 1 to defaulters across BBMP limits.
• Chandigarh’s administration plans a property tax increase but may offer a rebate to residential owners installing solar panels under the PM’s Suryaghar scheme. The proposal considers a 5-10% rebate. Similar initiatives exist in Pune, Indore, Bhopal, and Dharamshala.
• The Rajasthan government will regularise 87 'illegal' colonies under the Rajasthan Housing Board by issuing lease deeds, primarily in CM Bhajan Lal Sharma's Sanganer constituency. The Jaipur Development Authority will manage the process, enabling the government to recover taxes and fees while providing residents with formal ownership and utilities access.
• The Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCW) approved a INR 219.46 crore budget for 2025-26, focusing on construction workers' welfare. INR 160 crore is allocated for social schemes, and INR 35 crore for a day boarding school in Dehra. 
• The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) welcomed Goa Industrial Development Corporation's (GIDC) move to reserve 30% of small industrial plots for women entrepreneurs in Goa. Twenty plots are available across seven locations, with tenders open until 31 March, encouraging women to apply and foster economic empowerment.
• The Tripura government has signed an MoU with Tata Group’s IHCL to develop the INR 250 crore Taj Pushpavanta Palace hotel. This five-star project blends heritage with modern luxury, aiming to boost tourism, attract investment, create 200 jobs, and promote Tripura’s cultural legacy while enhancing its hospitality infrastructure.
• DTDC Express Ltd. has expanded into Sri Lanka, opening its first store in Colombo in partnership with Parcel Lanka as its authorised franchisee. This move strengthens DTDC’s South Asian presence, offering courier and logistics services tailored for MSMEs, e-commerce, and bulk shipping. Future plans include AI-powered tracking, automated sorting, and self-service kiosks.
• Andhra Pradesh's Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) and Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) signed a INR 11,000 crore loan agreement for constructing the greenfield capital city of Amaravati. The agreement was finalised in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. HUDCO’s board had earlier approved the loan during its January meeting in Mumbai.
• Indian companies are divesting large IT campuses to adopt asset-light, operationally efficient models. Firms like Cognizant, Wipro, and DXC Technology are monetising office assets amid hybrid work trends. Developers foresee opportunities for redevelopment into co-working hubs, data centres, and mixed-use spaces.
• The House of Abhinandan Lodha plans to expand its plotted development projects to 13 new cities, aiming for a presence in 30 towns by March next year. Founder Abhinandan Lodha targets INR 2,200 crore in plot sales this fiscal and INR 10,000 crore annually by 2029-30, focusing on clean-titled land.
• The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has registered a case against Edelweiss and 15 associates for allegedly defrauding investors of INR 750 crore. Ecstasy Realty Pvt Ltd claims misappropriation of funds linked to the Raisakaran project. Edelweiss denies wrongdoing, calling the allegations vague and retaliatory amid ongoing civil and recovery proceedings.
• The Maharashtra government plans to introduce a policy mandating precast construction for real estate projects in Mumbai to curb air pollution, according to Environment Minister Pankaja Munde. The policy will offer incentives for adopting off-site precast methods, reducing emissions, conserving resources, and ensuring better quality control though with higher transport costs.