14 Feb 2024

Commuters traveling between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and South Mumbai can expect smoother journeys soon. A new flyover linking Terminal 2 (T2) of the airport to the Sahar Elevated Road over the Western Express Highway is set to open by February 15, easing traffic congestion at the Vile Parle signal. An official from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) confirmed the near-completion of the 790-meter-long flyover, initiated in June 2021 at a cost of 248.43 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate this and other infrastructure projects during his Mumbai visit later this month.Read more

13 Feb 2024

Axis Bank has secured a notable lease deal for office space in Mumbai's esteemed Parle Product Factory Compound, occupying over 81,300 square feet. The agreement encompasses three floors plus the base floor, with a monthly rental of INR 85.37 lakh and a five-year term starting February 1, 2024. A security deposit of around INR 5.12 crore was made, ensuring access to ample parking facilities for employees and clients. This deal reflects Mumbai's robust commercial real estate market, demonstrated further by recent agreements by Barclays Bank PLC, HDFC Bank, and the International Finance Corporation, underlining the city's pivotal role in India's economic growth.Read more

13 Feb 2024

The Maharashtra government has extended the lease of Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium for 30 years, following its expiration in 2018, valuing the 44,000 square meter plot at approximately INR 1,304 crore. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is mandated to pay an annual rent of INR 1.52 crore, plus an additional INR 8.58 crore covering the period from 2018 to 2023, a decision contested by the MCA due to what they perceive as excessive charges. Despite objections, the stadium remains a pivotal hub for cricket administration in India, with its history dating back to 1968 and hosting numerous prestigious events over the years.Read more

13 Feb 2024

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced a groundbreaking plan to convert Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai's bustling commercial hub, into a pedestrian-friendly area. Drawing inspiration from international models like Canary Wharf and Marina Bay, the initiative involves removing compound walls to enhance walkability and connectivity. MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee emphasised the need for seamless integration within BKC, promoting a more inclusive urban environment. The proposal, awaiting review, seeks to foster a vibrant, accessible public space, balancing modern aesthetics with practical urban planning.Read more

13 Feb 2024

The State Cabinet approved acquiring 283 acres of Mumbai's salt pan land from the Union Government for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), to be managed by Adani Realty. This move aims to provide rental housing for ineligible slum dwellers. A separate proposal will be submitted for utilising salt pan lands in Dharavi residents' rehabilitation. The market value will be recovered from the project's special purpose vehicle. Previously contested for a Metro car depot, the land transfer will facilitate Dharavi's redevelopment, benefiting around 3.5-4 lakh people with rental and affordable housing solutions.Read more

12 Feb 2024

DLF, a major real estate player, is set to make its mark in Mumbai's property market with its first project in Andheri. The company, in collaboration with the Trident Group, is embarking on a Slum Rehabilitation Authority project with tentative pricing for apartments ranging from INR 5.5 crore to INR 7.5 crore. With a planned investment of INR 400 crore, DLF aims to achieve a saleable area of 3 million to 3.5 million square feet in the first phase, anticipating substantial demand across various segments.Read more

12 Feb 2024

The Bombay High Court has asserted the protection of fundamental rights for senior citizens facing housing redevelopment delays. The court's comments were made during a plea filed by a 65-year-old woman, Jayashree Dholi, who claimed to be "homeless" due to a stalled redevelopment project in Mulund. The court emphasised that seniors in their "twilight years" should not suffer due to redevelopment delays and issued notices to authorities, including the Maharashtra Government and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, seeking responses to address the petitioner's fundamental rights violation.Read more

12 Feb 2024

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a plea by the Air India Colony staff association to maintain the status quo for two weeks until the Supreme Court addresses the matter on February 13. The association sought to preserve the current state pending further judicial review. However, the court rejected their request, indicating a swift decision on the issue of demolition of vacant buildings. This development points to the legal proceedings progressing quickly, potentially leading to imminent action regarding the disputed buildings.Read more

12 Feb 2024

Adivasi communities residing in Aarey's Film City, Mumbai, are facing uncertainty following the BMC's dismissal of their land claims under the Forest Rights Act. The Adivasi Habale Pada Mandal has expressed discontent through a formal letter to the civic authority, challenging the decision and requesting compensation. The municipal corporation, however, has rebuffed these claims, asserting that a forest rights committee must be established before reaching a resolution. Meanwhile, surveys for the planned Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR) are underway to evaluate its potential impact on Adivasi-held lands.Read more

09 Feb 2024

The Bombay High Court has approved the reconstruction of the seven-storeyed Govinda Tower in Kherwadi, Bandra (E), which tragically collapsed over 25 years ago. Justices Gautam Patel and Kamal Khata highlighted the severity of the incident, which resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities. Originally built on a MHADA-leased plot, the building's reconstruction efforts by previous developers failed. Following residents' pleas, the court permitted the appointment of a new developer in August 2023. Despite opposition from the resolution professional involved in insolvency proceedings against the previous developer, the court directed BMC and MHADA to process the society's development proposal, marking a crucial step towards reconstruction and bringing hope to the residents of Kherwadi.Read more

08 Feb 2024

Vamsiram Builders, a prominent real estate firm based in Hyderabad, has lodged a complaint with the registrar of companies (ROC) and the ministry of corporate affairs, alleging misconduct in two Mumbai redevelopment projects worth INR 3,000 crore. The complaint accuses a Mumbai-based entity of fraudulently exploiting Vamsiram Builders' identity, including its name, logo, and project details, to execute these ventures in affluent areas like Khar West and Prabhadevi. Specifically naming Vamsiram Realty Pvt Ltd and its directors, the complaint cites instances of identity theft, urging swift regulatory action to rectify the breach and protect the company's reputation and interests.Read more

08 Feb 2024

A Bombay High Court Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Arif S Doctor have instructed the BMC to submit details of the inquiry into construction lapses concerning the Lalbaug flyover within six weeks. The directive is related to disclosing the findings of the enquiry conducted by the Statutory Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) regarding any lapses or breaches by the contractor in the construction of the flyover. The High Court's decision underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in construction projects, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations into potential shortcomings in the infrastructure development process.Read more

08 Feb 2024

MMRDA is seeking a INR 4,000 crore loan for the redevelopment of Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, a 75-acre slum in Ghatkopar. With an "expression of interest" published, the authority aims to address every aspect of rehabilitation. Terms will be disclosed this week, with a 15-year repayment plan expected. The project targets 16,575 slum-dwellers and acquisition of 5,000 tenements, overseen by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). This marks MMRDA's inaugural venture into slum redevelopment, aiming to generate revenues of INR 1,073 crore if managed internally, or INR 2,918 crore if outsourced. Amid financial constraints, MMRDA seeks assistance from the Union Government and BMC, affirming its commitment to broader infrastructure projects.Read more

08 Feb 2024

The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) members have approved the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) proposal to transform part of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse into a theme park. Out of 708 members who voted, 540 supported the proposal, while 168 opposed it. The BMC's plan involves extending the lease of the racecourse, with the condition that 120 acres of the 211-acre property be handed over to the BMC for creating an open green space. The proposal includes pathways, walkways, sitting areas, and an underground subway connecting to the Mumbai Coastal Road Project's green open space.Read more

07 Feb 2024

Ambika Chauhan Aibara, of Parle Products fame, recently acquired two lavish sea-view apartments in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai. Valued at over Rs 47.3 crore, these expansive units, spanning a combined 6,180 sq ft on the 24th and 25th floors of Raheja Modern Vivarea, reflect her confidence in the city's property market. This landmark development, covering a staggering 1 million sq ft and priced at approximately Rs 90,000 per sq ft, promises a top-tier living experience. The development, situated on reclaimed textile mill land, caters to Mumbai's affluent circles, adjacent to the renowned Raheja Vivarea.Read more