01 May 2025

In a bid to make redevelopment more affordable for residents of aging cessed buildings in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has slashed the charges for additional space to 100% of the ready reckoner rate (RRR), down from 110%. This policy applies to beneficiaries of the December 2023 housing lottery and aims to accelerate urban renewal. The move also covers tenants in stalled redevelopment projects and those in unsafe buildings, offering compensation and inclusion in official lists. With this initiative, MHADA hopes to revive stalled projects and improve housing conditions for residents in old neighborhoods.Read more

01 May 2025

The anti-encroachment department conducted a drive under the direction of Additional Commissioner (2) Dr. Rahul Gethe and Assistant Commissioner (Encroachment) Mr. Bhagwat Doifode by the directives from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde. The drive, aimed at removing homeless encroachments, led to the eviction of 48 homeless individuals near L&T Bridge, Sector-42, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai. The action was overseen by Assistant Commissioner Dr. Amol Palve and involved a team including engineers, staff, and police personnel. The municipal corporation has stated that such actions will continue in the future.Read more

30 Apr 2025

A new 550-metre underpass connecting Mumbai's Coastal Road to the Worli-Sewri corridor is set to open by early May, offering southbound motorists from Dadar and Prabhadevi direct access to Nariman Point and Marine Drive. Built to ease congestion at Worli-Haji Ali, the tunnel will allow seamless entry onto the Coastal Road without using crowded city streets. Finishing works like signage, lighting, and surfacing are underway. Part of the 10.58-km Coastal Road project, the underpass is expected to significantly cut travel time to Mumbai's central business districts and improve traffic flow along the city's key commercial arteries.Read more

30 Apr 2025

The BMC has set November 30, 2025, as the new target to open the Belasis Bridge, aiming to boost east-west connectivity in Mumbai's central districts. After a project review, officials also scheduled the Canara Bridge reopening by June 10, 2025, and the Sion Flyover completion by May 31, 2026. Demolition and underpass construction work at Sion West will begin post-monsoon. Real estate players in Byculla and Mumbai Central expect the Belasis Bridge to ease traffic congestion, enhancing the appeal of ongoing redevelopment projects. The accelerated timelines are part of BMC's broader efforts to decongest critical city routes.Read more

30 Apr 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has acted decisively to stop illegal construction in the Airoli division. Despite receiving notices from the NMMC's Anti-Encroachment Department, the concerned party failed to comply. As per the instructions of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde and additional Commissioner Dr. Rahul Gethe, the illegal construction was partially demolished on 25th April 2025. A fine of INR 25,000 was imposed. The operation saw the involvement of NMMC officials and anti-encroachment police personnel, with the use of gas cutters and hammer tools.Read more

30 Apr 2025

The Gopal Krishna Gokhale bridge in Andheri is on track to complete its main construction by April 30, 2025, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials. Although the structure itself is nearly finished, traffic opening will depend on further inspections and approvals from railway authorities. Minor works such as signage and barriers will continue post-completion. The bridge will improve east-west connectivity in Andheri, alleviating traffic on SV Road and the Western Express Highway. Meanwhile, the Vikhroli flyover project, though 95% complete, faces delays due to complex engineering challenges, with a completion target set for May 31.Read more

29 Apr 2025

Starting 1st May 2025, Mumbai International Airport will officially begin hand-carriage jewellery export operations, a major boost for India�s gem and jewellery trade. Enabled by CBIC Circular No. 09/2025-Customs, the move follows a successful mock drill involving key industry bodies and customs authorities. GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali praised the initiative for simplifying logistics, especially for MSME exporters, and strengthening India's position as a global jewellery hub. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will soon be issued to guide exporters. With a dedicated GJEPC office at the airport, the initiative promises greater flexibility, growth, and global reach for India's jewellery sector.Read more

29 Apr 2025

Crown Worldwide Group has launched a Custom Bonded Warehousing service in India through its Crown Workspace & Warehousing division. Located in Mumbai, the facility offers secure, duty-free storage for high-value imported goods, including luxury items, electronics, and industrial cargo. The ISO-certified warehouse features digital management, ESD-safe handling, and 24/7 surveillance. Clients benefit from deferred customs duties, flexible storage, and faster market access. Crown's new service aims to streamline import-export operations while bridging global logistics standards with local needs. With expertise in inventory tracking and customs management across 60 countries, Crown continues to enhance logistics support for modern businesses in India.Read more

29 Apr 2025

Mumbai's long-awaited integrated transport app, Mumbai One, is expected to launch on May 1, aiming to streamline city travel across metro, suburban rail, and buses. Developed by MMRDA, the app will let commuters plan multi-modal journeys, view fares, and eventually purchase tickets via UPI or wallet payments. While metro integration will be available at launch, full integration with Indian Railways and BEST buses may take longer. Currently in testing, the app faces technical challenges like real-time fare updates. Experts say seamless functioning could be a game-changer for Mumbai's fragmented public transport network, improving commuter convenience across the city.Read more

28 Apr 2025

The INR 160-crore Vidyavihar railway overbridge, linking LBS Marg and Ramkrishna Chemburkar Marg, is finally set for completion by mid-2026 after years of delays due to land and coordination issues. The 650-metre ROB, one of Mumbai's longest, will ease east-west congestion across the Kurla-Vidyavihar-Ghatkopar corridor. With RDSO approvals in place, the final deck will be launched by May 2024. Improved connectivity is expected to boost property values in Vidyavihar East by 8%-10%, spurring redevelopment. The project is part of BMC's larger push to modernize Mumbai's ROB network, with the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road extension next in line.Read more

28 Apr 2025

The BMC has announced a landmark Town Hall Gymkhana project between CSMT and its heritage HQ, blending heritage revival with civic engagement. Planned on the Cannon and Carnac sports grounds, the complex will feature a public town hall, amphitheatre, glass-domed viewing gallery, restaurants, and five underground floors with parking and recreational spaces. For the first time, Mumbaikars will enjoy panoramic views of CSMT and Azad Maidan. Urban planners praise the project as a model for heritage-sensitive development. Tenders are out, and officials stress adherence to Fort precinct design norms. The initiative is expected to boost footfall and spur local redevelopment.Read more

28 Apr 2025

Industrial and warehousing demand in Mumbai and Pune declined sharply by 47% in Q1 2025, totaling 17 lakh square feet, according to Colliers India. Mumbai recorded 10 lakh square feet and Pune 7 lakh square feet, both significantly down from the previous year. Despite regional dips, overall demand across India's top eight cities grew by 15%, reaching 90 lakh square feet. Key drivers included engineering, e-commerce, 3PL, and automobile sectors. New supply rose to 94 lakh square feet, supported by institutional capital and robust infrastructure growth. The sector maintains its growth, fueled by favorable macroeconomic indicators and growing occupier confidence.Read more

28 Apr 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed its officials to strictly enforce Supreme Court guidelines on unauthorized constructions, following criticism from the Bombay High Court over inaction in a 2021 Andheri case. The court had ordered demolition of the illegal building and disciplinary action against officials involved. In line with the Supreme Court's rules, the BMC will now hold officers accountable for issuing completion certificates to illegal structures, which cannot be regularized regardless of occupancy. This move marks a broader effort to tackle illegal construction in Mumbai and ensure lawful urban development by reinforcing accountability and adherence to planning norms.Read more

25 Apr 2025

Mumbai-based VC firm A91 Partners has closed its third fund at USD 665 million, reaffirming its focus on growth-stage investments in Indian startups across consumer, healthcare, financial services, and industrial sectors. Founded in 2018 by ex-Sequoia Capital India executives, the firm typically invests USD 50 million in expansion-ready ventures, with past bets on Digit Insurance, Atomberg, and Push Health. A91's latest fund signals investor confidence in India's long-term potential, despite recent funding slowdowns. The move aligns with a broader trend of successful VC fundraising, including Accel's USD 650 million Fund VIII and Stellaris USD 300 million fund, highlighting ongoing momentum in India's startup ecosystem.Read more

25 Apr 2025

India's real estate sector attracted USD 26.7 billion in equity inflows between 2022 and 2024, with Mumbai leading at USD 6.9 billion, according to a CII-CBRE report. Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru followed, with the three metros accounting for 62% of total investments. Land and development sites drew the highest share at 44%, while built-up office assets secured 32%. Tier-II cities gained traction, attracting USD 3 billion, driven by industrial growth and infrastructure upgrades. Institutional investors contributed 33% of the capital. With strong fundamentals and ongoing reforms, the sector is poised for sustained growth, appealing to a diverse mix of global and domestic investors.Read more

25 Apr 2025

Aamir Khan's residence in Mumbai's Pali Hill is being redeveloped into a luxury housing project by Atmosphere Realty, a joint venture between MICL, Wadhwa Group, and Chandak Group. The Virgo CHS, where Khan owns 12 flats, will be replaced with upscale 4 and 5 BHK sea-view apartments priced above INR 1 lakh per sq ft. Set for launch by December 2025, the project includes a rehab section for current residents. Khan recently bought another Pali Hill property worth over INR 9 crore. Despite a slowdown in the ultra-luxury segment, developers are confident in the project's success amid strong demand in premium locations.Read more