07 Mar 2025

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has introduced a new payment plan, allowing property owners to pay 65% additional farmers' compensation in four installments instead of a lump sum. This move aims to ease financial strain while encouraging timely construction. YEIDA also approved 20 acres for a medical college in Sector 17, 100 electric buses to improve transit, and a uniform industrial plot allotment policy. Measures to address delayed construction include a nine-month extension for 25,000 allottees. Additionally, YEIDA will develop women's hostels and repair 25 roads to enhance connectivity. These steps reinforce YEIDA's commitment to regional growth and infrastructure development.Read more

07 Mar 2025

Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) is looking to monetize land parcels in Byculla, Marol, Mahim, and Dharavi totaling around 12,491 square meters. These plots, located along the Mumbai Metro Line 3 route, could be developed through joint ventures, public-private partnerships (PPPs), or direct sales. The program is consistent with MMRCL's objective to optimize land usage and produce revenue for metro construction. Previously, MMRCL sought to auction a 4.2-acre site in Nariman Point, but the offer was withdrawn due to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) interest in purchasing the land. Financial bids for the next effort are anticipated this week, with advisors overseeing the process to guarantee the best use of these sites.Read more

06 Mar 2025

The Karnataka government will hold a key meeting this Friday, led by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Minister MB Patil, to address land acquisition delays for Bengaluru Metro's Phase 3 and the Multi-Modal Transport Hub in Hebbal. Despite talks since October 2023, the transfer of 45 acres remains unresolved, potentially due to real estate interests. Delays in Peripheral Ring Road, Kempegowda Airport expansion, and Bangalore Suburban Railway Project highlight broader land acquisition challenges. The outcome of this meeting could determine the pace of Bengaluru's infrastructure growth and set a precedent for future projects.Read more

06 Mar 2025

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) will now hold Janata Din twice a month to improve public grievance redressal as part of its 100-day action plan. Led by MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal, this initiative enables direct access to grievance systems, including video conferencing. The plan also emphasizes faster project approvals, tender processing, and enhanced public amenities, including accessibility improvements and facilities for mothers. Officials must conduct regular site visits and expedite housing projects under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). MHADA's Lokshahi Din has resolved long-pending cases, reinforcing its commitment to efficient urban housing and citizen services.Read more

06 Mar 2025

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made significant progress in infrastructure development, awarding 1,104 km of national highways and constructing 1,147 km in January 2025. Total fiscal year figures stand at 4,204 km awarded and 7,000 km built. The Ministry has spent INR 2,30,298 crore on road projects and launched a vehicle scrappage initiative, scrapping 108,583 vehicles. It has also installed 28 EV charging stations along highways. To streamline approvals for Road Over Bridges (ROB), a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being developed. Proposed policies include higher registration fees for older vehicles and tax incentives for scrappage.Read more

06 Mar 2025

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) Metro Line 3, which connects Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar, is now slated to begin operations by the end of the year. The project was scheduled to be finished in 2023, but difficulties with land acquisition, traffic, and the COVID-19 epidemic caused several delays. The integrated flyover at University Chowk and the purchase of land at Raj Bhavan are two important elements that remain unfinished despite 85% of the construction being finished. Trial runs are scheduled to start in October or November after construction is finished.Read more

06 Mar 2025

In a significant move towards gender equality and financial security for women, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Brihanmumbai, has issued a circular mandating the inclusion of both husband and wife's names in Annexure-II of the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. This directive, based on the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, aims to ensure joint ownership of homes allotted under the scheme, benefiting numerous slum dwellers. The circular highlights the importance of joint property registration to safeguard women's rights, especially in cases of marital disputes or the demise of a spouse. Authorities have been instructed to implement the circular promptly to ensure compliance across rehabilitation societies.Read more

Arun Nair

05 Mar 2025

Government-led infrastructure initiatives are significantly influencing residential preferences in India, with plotted developments gaining prominence. A JLL study indicates that from January 2022 to October 2023, developers acquired approximately 3,294 acres of land, while Anarock projects around 2,252 acres of land deals in FY-24 for residential, plotted, and township developments. Mumbai and Pune are leading this demand shift, highlighting the growing preference for independent and spacious living. Developers are prioritising community-driven planning and quality construction to meet evolving buyer aspirations. With increasing disposable incomes and a preference for green living, plotted developments are reshaping the future of Indian residential real estate.Read more

05 Mar 2025

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 200 million loan for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sustainability, Hygiene, and Resilience Project to modernize sewerage and drainage infrastructure in the city. The project aims to address urban flooding, outdated drainage systems, and climate resilience by constructing 84 km of trunk and secondary pipelines, 176 km of lateral pipelines, one sewage treatment plant, and five pumping stations. Over 277,000 residents will benefit, particularly in vulnerable communities. This initiative aligns with broader climate-resilience efforts, including World Bank-funded flood mitigation in Mumbai and a EUR 100 million AFD-backed stormwater drainage upgrade in Chennai. As Indian cities increasingly seek international funding for climate adaptation, Kolkata's project could serve as a model for urban infrastructure resilience across South Asia.Read more

05 Mar 2025

Former Kotak Mahindra Bank CEO Uday Kotak has made Mumbai's most expensive real estate purchase, acquiring Shiv Sagar at Worli Sea Face for INR 202 crore at a record-breaking INR 2.71 lakh per sq ft. The 7,418 sq ft property surpasses previous highs on Altamount Road (INR 2.25 lakh per sq ft) and Bhulabhai Desai Road (INR 2.09 lakh per sq ft). This marks another major acquisition for the Kotak family, who previously bought Champagne House next door. Mumbai's luxury real estate sector continues to thrive, with ultra-high-net-worth individuals driving record-breaking transactions despite rising costs.Read more