04 Mar 2025

Varanasi-Aurangabad NH-2 Tollway Private Limited (VAH) has successfully raised INR 2,630 crore (USD 316.3 million) through dollar-denominated bonds, marking the first such issuance by an Indian road concession entity. The bonds, maturing in nine years with a 5.9% interest rate, were heavily oversubscribed, attracting INR 27,500 crore in orders from 144 global investors. VAH, owned by ROADIS under PSP Investments, operates the 192 km six-lane highway. This milestone highlights investor confidence in India's infrastructure sector and will support refinancing, expansion, and maintenance, strengthening connectivity and economic growth along the Varanasi-Aurangabad corridor.Read more

03 Mar 2025

A recent EY report has highlighted that India must maintain tax buoyancy within the 1.2-1.5 range to achieve a growth rate of 6.5-7%. The report suggested that the government should focus on strengthening revenue mobilisation by increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio from an estimated 12% in FY26 to 14% by FY31. The report further noted that gross tax revenue buoyancy had moderated over the past three years, and maintaining it within the desired range would be crucial for GDP growth. The Indian economy is projected to grow between 6.3-6.8% in the next fiscal, with the current fiscal's growth estimated at 6.4%.Read more

03 Mar 2025

The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) will increase fire safety certificate charges by 10% from April 1, 2025, citing rising operational costs and the need for improved infrastructure. Fees will range from INR 6,615 to INR 14 per sq. meter, affecting commercial, educational, healthcare, industrial, and high-risk buildings, while smaller residential units remain exempt. Businesses express concerns over financial strain, while fire safety experts stress the need for stricter compliance amid increasing fire incidents. MCC plans to use the additional revenue to modernize fire stations, hire firefighters, and introduce an online portal for certificate applications, ensuring efficient enforcement.Read more

28 Feb 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the lending regulations for urban cooperative banks (UCBs) to provide them with greater flexibility while maintaining regulatory oversight. The definition of small-value loans has now been modified, with the maximum limit per borrower raised to INR 3 crore. Additionally, UCBs can exceed the 10% ceiling on aggregate exposure to real estate by an additional 5% for housing loans to individuals under priority sector classification. The RBI has also revised prudential limits on housing loans for different UCB tiers, with lending limits ranging from INR 60 lakh to INR 3 crore per dwelling unit. UCBs are required to ensure that at least 50% of their total loans comprise small-value loans by March 2026. These guidelines have been implemented with immediate effect.Read more

28 Feb 2025

TVS Emerald has acquired a 10-acre land parcel in Sathnur, Bengaluru, with a development potential of 1.4 million sq ft and an estimated revenue of INR 1,600 crore. This marks the company's fourth land deal this fiscal, bringing its total potential revenue to INR 5,300 crore. Bengaluru's real estate market is witnessing major acquisitions, with Macrotech Developers securing a 20-acre parcel for INR 2,800 crore and Mahindra Lifespaces buying 8.2 acres for INR 1,000 crore. Puravankara has also acquired land in Vajrahalli for INR 700 crore. The city's booming infrastructure and demand continue to attract major investments.Read more

28 Feb 2025

Hyderabad-based CtrlS Datacenters has inaugurated a data centre park in Chennai with an investment of INR 4,000 crore. The company plans to invest an additional INR 5,000 crore over the next two to five years, increasing its total capacity to 75 MW. CtrlS is also exploring land for a larger project in Chennai as part of its USD 2 billion investment plan to expand its overall capacity beyond a gigawatt. The company is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO), which could make it one of the first data centre firms to be listed in India. Industry estimates suggest Chennai's data centre capacity will double by 2026, reinforcing its position as a major technology hub.Read more

28 Feb 2025

Sundaram Home Finance is preparing for its next growth phase in the Emerging Business (EB) segment, aiming to double disbursements to over INR 400 crore within the next 12 months. The EB segment caters to small business loans of up to INR 20 lakh and affordable housing finance, offering loans up to INR 35 lakh. Having expanded beyond Tamil Nadu into Andhra Pradesh with five new branches, the company now plans to enter Telangana. With disbursements in the EB segment exceeding INR 200 crore and a workforce of over 300 employees, the company is optimistic about achieving its growth targets. Sundaram Home Finance reported a 35 per cent increase in total disbursements, reaching INR 1,692 crore for the third quarter ending December 31, 2024.Read more

28 Feb 2025

Sustainability is reshaping India’s commercial real estate, with 50-60% of office leasing led by GCCs and IT firms prioritizing green-certified spaces. Despite 3-5% higher construction costs, green buildings reduce electricity consumption by 30-35%, lowering operating expenses. Nearly 95% of CRISIL-rated real estate assets and 100% of REIT office spaces are now green-certified. State governments are incentivizing eco-friendly projects with increased FAR, tax benefits, and fast-track approvals. As global corporations enforce stricter ESG targets, developers in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are accelerating green projects, ensuring higher occupancy, rental yields, and long-term sustainability in India’s office market.Read more

27 Feb 2025

Apollo Global Management will acquire Bridge Investment Group in an all-stock deal worth approximately USD 1.5 billion, strengthening its real estate portfolio. Bridge shareholders will receive Apollo stock at a 45% premium, driving a surge in Bridge's premarket trading. The acquisition enhances Apollo's real estate equity and credit capabilities while integrating Bridge's USD 50 billion asset management expertise. Following the deal's expected closure in the third quarter, Bridge will operate independently within Apollo, with Bob Morse leading its real estate equity division. This transaction aligns with Apollo's long-term growth strategy, reinforcing its leadership in alternative investments amid rising market demand.Read more

27 Feb 2025

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has issued red notices to 60% of commercial establishments to recover overdue property taxes. Despite repeated reminders, 1.5 lakh properties have defaulted for two to three years. Additionally, GHMC has served distress warrants to 75 properties with decade-long dues. With unpaid taxes exceeding INR 10,000 crore, the corporation faces financial strain. Efforts include official notices, SMS reminders, and legal action against defaulters. GHMC has collected INR 1,470 crore this fiscal year and aims to surpass INR 2,000 crore. It will conduct 'Property Tax Parishkaram' every Saturday until March 29 to resolve taxpayer grievances.Read more