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31 Jan 2026
The MATECIA Exhibition, in collaboration with SURFACES REPORTER, is set to host a major architecture, interiors and building materials event in Kolkata, bringing East and Northeast India into sharper national focus. Scheduled from 30 January to 1 February 2026 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, the three-day platform will bring together architects, interior designers, developers, manufacturers and dealers from more than a dozen states across the region. Spread across 1.5 lakh sq ft, the event will feature over 100 brands, showcase more than 500 projects and attract up to 16,000 visitors. With dedicated honours, knowledge platforms and curated showcases, the initiative aims to challenge long-held perceptions about the region and underline its growing role in India's architecture, design and building materials landscape.Read more
28 Jan 2026
Kolkata Metro Railway has introduced a QR code-based return ticket service across all its corridors, allowing passengers to book both onward and return journeys together. This move eliminates the need to stand in queues for return tickets, saving valuable time for daily commuters and occasional travellers. The facility requires passengers to complete the return journey on the same day indicated on the ticket and to keep the ticket safe for scanning. The service revives a same-day return ticket option that was unavailable since the magnetic ticket system was phased out.Read more
26 Jan 2026
KPMG Global Services Delivery Platform has opened a new office in Kolkata for its Tax Business Unit, strengthening the city's position in global tax services delivery. The Kolkata team, which started with around 50 professionals, has grown to over 200 and now handles complex tax and compliance work for global clients. KPMG said the expansion reflects its long-term commitment to India as a core delivery base, with Kolkata benefiting from a strong talent pool, academic support, and rising demand for technology-enabled tax services.Read more
20 Jan 2026
West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HIDCO) has announced an e-auction of prime commercial land parcels in the Central Business District (CBD) of New Town, Kolkata, inviting bids from eligible corporate bodies. Two freehold commercial plots, one measuring about 10 acres and another approximately 3.9 acres, are being offered with starting bid prices of INR 353.3 crore and INR 138.9 crore respectively. Bidders must begin construction within a year of taking possession, and any change in planned land use is not permitted, underscoring the state's intent to fast-track structured commercial development in the rapidly expanding township. The move reflects ongoing efforts to unlock land assets and stimulate investment in Kolkata's growing urban real estate market, building on broader initiatives to develop New Town into a major commercial and economic hub.Read more
14 Jan 2026
Kolkata's real estate developers are urging the government to leverage the upcoming Union Budget to recalibrate housing policies amid rising construction and land costs. Key proposals include revising the affordable housing definition, adjusting GST on under-construction properties, enhancing tax benefits for homebuyers, and streamlining approvals. Industry leaders highlighted the importance of supporting mid-income housing, integrated townships, and rental projects. They believe that consistent policy support and urban infrastructure investment could revive demand, accelerate project execution, and attract long-term capital, fostering sustainable growth in eastern India's property market.Read more
13 Jan 2026
Kolkata-based Texmaco Rail & Engineering has completed the hydro-mechanical systems for the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project at the Arunachal Pradesh Assam border. Acting as the sole contractor, the company managed design, manufacture, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of the systems needed for eight units of 250 MW each. Unit 1 started wet commissioning in late October, while Unit 2 entered commercial operation in December 2025. The remaining units are planned for phased commissioning through the 2026-27 fiscal year, contributing significantly to India's renewable energy supply.Read more
08 Jan 2026
Kolkata's office real estate market delivered its best performance in more than ten years during 2025, driven by a sharp rise in leasing activity and rental growth. Annual office leasing volumes rose 69 per cent year-on-year to 2.3 million square feet, marking the first time the city crossed the 2 million sq ft milestone. Office transactions in the second half of the year also recorded robust growth, while rents increased at the fastest pace among major Indian office markets. Residential demand remained steady, supported by improving developer confidence, rising new launches and declining unsold inventory, reinforcing Kolkata's position as an affordable and stable real estate market.Read more
07 Jan 2026
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has launched an urgent demolition drive targeting structurally unsafe and hazardous buildings across the city to protect public safety and prevent potential collapses. The action follows engineering assessments and multiple notices issued to property owners whose structures were found to be at risk due to poor maintenance, structural defects or unauthorised alterations. Under the drive, identified buildings are being cordoned off and demolition work initiated where necessary, with rescue and traffic management measures in place to ensure safety. KMC officials have called on landlords and residents to cooperate and complete demolition or repairs within specified timelines, emphasising that timely intervention is critical to safeguard lives and urban resilience.Read more
03 Jan 2026
The Calcutta High Court has permitted the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to undertake repair and maintenance work on buildings deemed unsafe, even as civil litigation remains pending between the property owners and the civic body. The order enables the corporation to carry out structural rectification to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods. The ruling underscores the court's emphasis on protecting life and property, balancing legal rights with urgent civic responsibilities. While the civil dispute continues to be adjudicated separately, the civic agency has been authorised to proceed with remedial works to avert risks associated with deteriorating structures.Read more
29 Dec 2025
Kolkata Metro's Blue Line faced a disruption earlier this week when a train had to apply its emergency brake near Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station, halting operations between Dakshineswar and Maidan for about one and a half hours. Passengers from the affected train were safely evacuated at Tollygunje, and services fully resumed later. Metro officials said the cause of the emergency braking is under investigation. The incident adds to recent operational snags on the line, highlighting challenges in maintaining uninterrupted commuter services.Read more
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29 Dec 2025
The National Company Law Tribunal has approved a resolution plan submitted by Ambuja Housing and Urban Infrastructure Company Ltd to take over and complete the long-stalled Usshar residential project at Batanagar near Kolkata. The approval enables a parcel-wise resolution of the debt-laden Riverbank Developers Private Ltd, the original promoter of the larger Calcutta Riverside township. Under the plan, the Ambuja Neotia Group subsidiary will acquire the 9.4-acre Usshar parcel for an upfront payment of INR 34 crore and complete the remaining construction. The move is expected to bring relief to homebuyers who have faced prolonged uncertainty and allow the project to progress independently of broader liabilities.Read more
27 Dec 2025
The West Bengal Real Estate Appellate Tribunal has ruled that homebuyers cannot demand GST refunds from developers when a flat purchase is cancelled and must instead approach the GST department. The decision came while modifying a WBRERA order in a dispute involving a cancelled booking at a Kolkata housing project. The tribunal allowed the promoter to deduct GST already paid to the government and set aside a penalty imposed earlier. The ruling clearly separates regulatory refunds from tax refunds and reinforces that GST recovery is governed by central tax law.Read more
11 Dec 2025
A century-old three storey building in Kolkata’s Bowbazar partially collapsed earlier this week, injuring one person. Kolkata Metro Railway inspected the site and clarified that it is not responsible for fresh damage, noting that tunnelling work was already completed and no active construction is underway. Temporary supports were installed, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation has been asked to assess the building. Residents had reported train vibrations days before the collapse. Bowbazar has experienced recurring structural issues since 2019, highlighting the need for proper maintenance and monitoring of ageing urban buildings.Read more
08 Dec 2025
NKDA has issued notices to 37 residential buildings in New Town for operating hotels, guest houses and banquet facilities without the required permissions. These properties, spread across Action Area I and II, were found violating rules that allow commercial use of residential units only after obtaining prior approval and meeting safety norms. The authority highlighted concerns related to fire hazards, unapproved building changes and non-compliance with statutory requirements. Earlier this year, NKDA had also taken action against several other unauthorised commercial establishments. A provisional NOC system has now been introduced to regulate limited commercial use.Read more
08 Dec 2025
Smartworks Coworking Spaces Ltd has leased 168,000 sq. ft. of office space in Kolkata to a prominent IT company, signaling strong demand for flexible office solutions. The deal underscores the growing preference among technology firms for ready-to-use, scalable workspaces. Over the past few years, Smartworks has expanded across India, focusing on tier-1 and tier-2 cities, and attracting large corporate clients. Industry experts view this lease as a reflection of the resilience of Kolkata's office market and the ongoing adoption of hybrid work models.Read more
30 Nov 2025
Kolkata's premium residential market witnessed a sharp rise in supply and absorption earlier this year, according to Nklusive's H1 2025 Premium Real Estate Market Report. The consultancy observed that premium homes priced between INR 1.5 crore and INR 5 crore recorded heightened demand, with active projects increasing from 24 to 34 over the past year. Marketable supply nearly doubled, and South Kolkata led overall inventory distribution. Larger units, particularly 3 BHK and 4 BHK formats, saw notable sales growth, reflecting a shift towards spacious, amenity-rich living among high-end homebuyers.Read more
29 Nov 2025
Kolkata Metro has announced extended weekday operations on the Purple Line, increasing services from 80 to 84 and expanding operating hours from 6.40 am to 9.26 pm. The first train will depart Joka at 6.40 am and Majherhat at 7.03 am, with the last trains leaving at 9.05 pm and 9.26 pm respectively. Officials said the earlier start and later close will benefit commuters using Eastern Railway's Majherhat station by improving interchange options. Weekend timings remain unchanged, with services running only on Saturdays. The 7.75-km Joka-Majherhat stretch will eventually connect to Esplanade, where the Purple Line will integrate with the Blue and Green lines to enhance central Kolkata's connectivity.Read more
29 Nov 2025
BSNL is set to auction an 11.1 acre land parcel on Jessore Road, Madhyamgram, Kolkata, within the next few months. Valued internally at INR 179 crore, the land is expected to attract bids exceeding INR 250 crore due to its strategic location near Star Mall and close to Kolkata airport. Previously, BSNL sold a smaller Kankurgachi parcel for INR 131 crore. The Madhyamgram land, currently housing staff quarters and a telephone exchange, could support large-scale residential projects, drawing interest from national and local developers, under the supervision of NLMC.Read more
25 Nov 2025
Metro Railway Kolkata is preparing a major upgrade of its Blue Line by constructing seven new traction substations across key stations on the corridor. These will be located at Kalighat, Netaji Bhawan, Maidan, Esplanade, MG Road, Sovabazar-Sutanuti, and between Belgachia and Shyambazar. Orders have also been placed for two additional substations at Chandni Chowk and Geetanjali. Along with this, the ventilation and cooling systems in tunnels and stations are being modernised to enhance safety, reduce energy usage, and improve overall performance. Recent past upgrades and planned signalling improvements also support this long-term modernisation effort.Read more
23 Nov 2025
Kolkata Metro's Blue Line, the country's oldest corridor, is moving towards a major security upgrade with an AI-enabled, IP-based CCTV system targeted for completion by March 2026. The INR 25.34 crore project includes installing 1,678 cameras across stations and RPF posts, supported by a centralised monitoring setup and 240 TB storage at Metro Bhawan. The system will help identify unattended items, unusual movement, perimeter breaches, and crowd patterns. Officials expect the new network to improve passenger safety and support better station management through real-time analytics.Read more
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