24 Mar 2025

The G-North ward office of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is contemplating relocating the iconic Dadar Kabutarkhana due to longstanding complaints from local residents regarding health hazards linked to pigeon droppings and feathers. Residents have raised concerns about respiratory ailments and skin conditions, especially among children and the elderly. The civic body is considering relocating the structure to a less congested area with fewer residential buildings. However, there is resistance from the Kabutarkhana trust, which maintains that the structure is part of Dadar's identity and denies any serious health risks.Read more

24 Mar 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's Property Tax Department announced its decision to auction seized properties with pending property tax dues. The civic body has begun the process of appointing authorised government valuers to assess these properties. Citizens whose properties are under seizure action have been urged by Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailash Shinde to clear their outstanding tax liabilities immediately to avoid the auction of their assets. A public advertisement has been issued, and responses from 10 government-registered valuers have been received. The Corporation also encouraged citizens to benefit from the ongoing 'Abhay' scheme offering a penalty waiver for lump sum payments.Read more

24 Mar 2025

Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd (ARIIL) has won the redevelopment contract for Ascot Co-operative Housing Society in Andheri West, covering 2,319 sq. m. with a potential sales revenue of INR 320 crore and a carpet area of 71,300 sq. ft. This project aligns with Mumbai's growing redevelopment trend, addressing infrastructure aging and land scarcity. Similar efforts include Kalpataru's INR 2,000 crore projects in Chembur and Goregaon and Mahindra Lifespace's INR 1,800 crore Borivali redevelopment. The move highlights ARIIL's asset-light strategy while contributing to Mumbai's modernization and urban renewal.Read more

21 Mar 2025

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a special amnesty scheme for property tax defaulters from March 1 to 31, 2024, to boost tax collection. Taxpayers paying between March 1 and 20 will receive a 75% waiver on penalties, while those paying between March 21 and 31 will get a 50% waiver. The scheme is voluntary and applies only if the full outstanding tax amount is paid at once. Payments can be made online or at NMMC offices. As of now, NMMC has collected INR 530 crore against a target of INR 801 crore. No concessions apply after March 31.Read more

21 Mar 2025

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is spearheading one of India's largest public housing projects in Navi Mumbai under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Spread across 600 acres at 20 locations from Vashi to Taloja, the initiative aims to deliver 67,235 affordable housing units catering to economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-income groups (LIG). Prices for EWS flats start at INR 25 lakh, while LIG flats can reach over INR 97 lakh. Earlier this year, 5,000 units were sold, with keys handed over to several families. The project is expected to be completed in phases by the end of 2027.Read more

21 Mar 2025

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) authorities have proposed a significant increase in the User Development Fee (UDF). If approved, the revised charges are expected to come into effect from the next financial year. The proposal suggests raising UDF to INR 463 for international passengers and INR 325 for domestic travellers. While the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has sought to hike the UDF, it has simultaneously recommended a 35 per cent reduction in landing and parking charges to provide some relief to airlines. A final decision on the proposed charges is anticipated to be made following a stakeholder meeting held earlier this week in New Delhi.Read more

Arun Nair

21 Mar 2025

Devipada Metro station on Line 7 in Borivli East can directly access the new Oberoi SkyCity Mall, thanks to a newly inaugurated foot overbridge (FOB). This structure directly connects the station's concourse level to the second floor of SkyCity Mall. Fully funded by Oberoi Realty under the public-private partnership (PPP) policy introduced in 2020, the FOB is designed to enhance pedestrian convenience while driving footfall to the commercial complex. This development sets a benchmark for integrated urban mobility in Mumbai, with similar initiatives planned for other metro stations.Read more

20 Mar 2025

In a major luxury real estate deal, SR Menon Properties LLP has purchased a 14,866 sq ft apartment at the Lodha Sea Face project in Worli, Mumbai, for INR 187.47 crore - at over INR 1.26 lakh per sq ft. Developed by Macrotech Developers Ltd, this under-construction project is attracting a number of HNI and UHNI investors. The transaction, registered this week, involved a stamp duty payment of INR 11.25 crore. Worli remains a hotspot for ultra-luxury properties, with 683 deals worth INR 7,326 crore recorded last year. This deal underscores the strong demand for premium residences in South Mumbai's elite micro-markets.Read more

20 Mar 2025

Novelty Chambers, home to the once-celebrated Novelty Cinema at Grant Road, South Mumbai, is set to be demolished after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared the building unsafe. The cinema, which stopped screening films 19 years ago, was one of Mumbai's most prominent single-screen theaters before the multiplex boom forced its closure. The building currently has only one operational office out of nine stories, while the ground floor remains home to the now-defunct theater. The site is expected to make way for a new residential high-rise.Read more

18 Mar 2025

Goregaon police recently registered a first information report (FIR) against Wadhwa Group, accusing the firm of cheating developer Polycon Realtors out of INR 57 crore. According to the FIR, Wadhwa Group directors, including Navin Makhija, allegedly failed to fulfil financial commitments made under an agreement. Despite receiving additional floor space index (FSI) and funds through a settlement deal, the obligations were reportedly not honoured. The dispute stems from a redevelopment project at Unnat Nagar Akshaya Cooperative Housing Society, originally awarded to Policon Realtors in 2003. The matter has since been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for further investigation.Read more

18 Mar 2025

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw a significant increase in land acquisitions, with developers purchasing 407 acres across 19 deals-the highest in three years. Nationwide, land purchases grew by 41%, with major deals in MMR involving prime locations like Khalapur, Palghar, and Khopoli. Developers such as Birla Estates, K Raheja Corp, and Mahindra & Mahindra led key transactions. Land prices surged from INR 11 crore to INR 17 crore per acre. Most land was acquired for residential projects, with growing interest in Tier II and III cities like Nagpur and Indore, signaling strong future real estate activity.Read more

17 Mar 2025

Bollywood actor Kajol Devgan has purchased a 4,365 sq. ft. commercial retail space in Goregaon, Mumbai, for INR 28.78 crore, paying INR 65,940 per sq. ft. with INR 1.72 crore stamp duty and four car parking spaces. This reflects the growing trend of celebrities investing in commercial real estate for rental income and capital appreciation. Kajol previously bought an office space in Andheri for INR 7.64 crore, while Ajay Devgan acquired five office units (INR 45 crore) and a Juhu bungalow (INR 60 crore). Mumbai's commercial real estate in suburban hubs like Goregaon and Andheri are attracting high-profile investors due to rising business demand.Read more

17 Mar 2025

Sujata Agarwal, director of 9 Sky View Residences Pvt Ltd, has purchased three luxurious apartments in Mumbai's Juhu locality for a total cost exceeding INR 104 crore, inclusive of taxes. The properties are situated within the upscale Rustomjee Elements project, developed by Keystone Realtors. The three apartments, located on the 14th and 15th floors, collectively span over 12,333 sq ft (RERA carpet area) and were bought at an average rate of INR 83,769 per sq ft. The transaction was finalised earlier this week, with a total stamp duty of over INR 5 crore and an additional registration fee. The deal includes eight car parking spaces and highlights the continued demand for premium real estate in Juhu, a prime area favoured by Bollywood celebrities.Read more

17 Mar 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has intensified its efforts to ensure the roads and footpaths within its jurisdiction remain accessible to citizens. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailash Shinde has been regularly reviewing the city's management, highlighting the nuisance caused by abandoned vehicles and unauthorized vendors. These issues have been disrupting both traffic flow and the city's cleanliness. In response, the Encroachment Department has been instructed to issue notices to vehicle owners and take strict action under Sections 230 and 231 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949. Additionally, a campaign will soon be launched to remove unauthorized hawkers and vendors from sidewalks to restore public spaces to their intended use.Read more

17 Mar 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a newly updated online property tax collection system, aimed at simplifying the payment process for residents. Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailash Shinde introduced this modernised system earlier this week, integrating advanced technologies such as net banking, UPI, QR codes, and digital wallets. As a result, online tax payments have reportedly increased by nearly 15%. Additionally, the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) is set to be implemented within the next 2 weeks, offering residents 24x7 access to make secure payments through major banks and digital platforms. Furthermore, the Municipal Corporation has introduced the Abhay Yojana, granting a 50% concession on late payment penalties for arrears, encouraging citizens to settle outstanding dues by the end of March.Read more