Mumbai To Transform Mahalaxmi Racecourse Into 295 Acre Largest Central Park
Mumbai is set to witness a landmark urban transformation as the Mahalaxmi Racecourse prepares to be reimagined into a sprawling 295-acre Central Park, projected to become the largest urban park in India. The project, announced by the state’s deputy chief minister, will integrate expansive green spaces with modern entertainment and sports facilities, creating a sustainable and accessible civic landmark for residents. The plan balances conservation of the historic racecourse with innovative public infrastructure, reflecting the city’s commitment to eco-friendly urban development.
The redevelopment will carve 125 acres from the existing racecourse, while an additional 170 acres will come from land reclaimed for the Coastal Road. Connectivity has been prioritised, with an underpass linking the park to Annie Besant Road at Haji Ali and the nearby Metro 3 station at Nehru Centre. Civic officials emphasised that the racing track and stables will remain untouched, maintaining heritage elements while creating a large public amenity. The park’s design includes a 10-lakh-square-foot underground sports complex featuring Olympic-standard facilities such as volleyball, basketball, handball, cricket nets, gymnastics courts, kho-kho courts, badminton, squash courts, skating rinks, and a velodrome. Additionally, a three-level underground parking facility with a 5,000-car capacity aims to enhance accessibility while minimising surface congestion.
Beyond sports, the park will host a 9-acre convention centre comprising three large halls and a 50,000-square-foot pre-function area. Landscaped features include a 70-acre topiary garden, multiple thematic gardens—perennial, monsoon, seasonal, aquatic, succulent, and organic farming—and an amphitheatre with a 900-person capacity. A 31-acre botanical garden will integrate medicinal plants, a palm grove, children’s play areas, and water-lily ponds, promoting biodiversity and public education. A proposed 12-acre urban forest will further strengthen the park’s ecological footprint, offering a natural sanctuary in the heart of Mumbai. The underpass will create seamless connections between the topiary and urban forest areas, as well as the sports complex and the coastal park, ensuring easy access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Municipal authorities highlighted that the project emphasises sustainability, with no construction on heritage areas and a focus on green infrastructure, public welfare, and zero-carbon urban design. The integrated park promises not only recreational and cultural benefits but also a critical contribution to Mumbai’s ecological resilience, positioning it as a model for large-scale sustainable urban green spaces in India.
Mumbai To Transform Mahalaxmi Racecourse Into 295 Acre Largest Central Park
Mahindra Launches COMPAX Mini Compactor At EXCON Bangalore For Road Construction
Mahindra’s Construction Equipment division has unveiled its latest innovation, the COMPAX mini compactor, at the EXCON exhibition held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. Designed for the road construction sector, the new machine is positioned as a compact yet efficient solution for modern urban infrastructure projects, combining advanced engineering with sustainable construction practices. The launch underscores Mahindra’s commitment to supporting India’s growing road development needs with technologically advanced machinery.
The COMPAX mini compactor offers an innovative approach to soil compaction and road surfacing, optimising efficiency while reducing environmental and operational impact. An official from Mahindra’s Construction Equipment business highlighted that the machine has been engineered for precision compaction, reduced fuel consumption, and lower noise emissions — aligning with the broader push for eco-friendly urban infrastructure solutions. “The COMPAX addresses both efficiency and sustainability, providing road contractors with a reliable, environmentally conscious compaction option,” the official noted. Alongside the COMPAX, Mahindra also showcased its CEV-V range of construction machinery, which includes equipment designed to enhance productivity while adhering to stringent emissions standards. Industry experts attending the exhibition observed that Mahindra’s focus on compact, fuel-efficient machines reflects a larger trend in India’s construction sector towards low-carbon, sustainable technologies. These machines are expected to play a crucial role in urban projects where space constraints and environmental considerations are paramount.
The EXCON exhibition, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), provides a platform for construction technology providers to demonstrate innovations that accelerate sustainable urban development. Mahindra’s display attracted significant attention from contractors, project managers, and municipal officials, all keen to explore the practical benefits of the COMPAX in real-world projects. Analysts suggest that mini compactors like COMPAX are increasingly essential for small- to medium-scale urban projects, offering precision and operational flexibility while minimising construction-related emissions and noise. As Indian cities expand and upgrade their road networks, compact and environmentally conscious construction machinery is becoming a key driver of urban infrastructure efficiency.
Mahindra’s launch of the COMPAX mini compactor represents both a commercial and social step forward, equipping contractors with tools to deliver better-quality roads while adhering to sustainability goals. This initiative also reinforces Mahindra’s commitment to integrating advanced technology with civic and urban development priorities.
Mahindra Launches COMPAX Mini Compactor At EXCON Bangalore For Road Construction
Vascon Engineers Secures 260 Crore Navi Mumbai Super Specialty Hospital Construction Contract
Vascon Engineers Ltd., a leading player in India’s EPC and realty sectors, has secured a ₹260.09 crore contract from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to construct a state-of-the-art Super Specialty Hospital in CBD-Belapur, Sector 15A. Scheduled for completion within 36 months, the project aims to bolster the city’s healthcare infrastructure while integrating advanced medical and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems.
The contract, formalised through a Letter of Acceptance, represents a significant addition to Vascon’s current order book of ₹2,800 crore, offering 2.8 times coverage of FY25 EPC revenues. Analysts note that such high-value projects enhance the company’s visibility in India’s institutional infrastructure segment, reinforcing investor and stakeholder confidence. “Partnering with NMMC on this hospital project underscores our commitment to executing complex, high-impact institutional infrastructure that directly benefits public welfare,” said an official from Vascon Engineers. The company operates at near full capacity, executing approximately 8 million sq. ft. of projects annually, supported by a robust team of over 800 engineers and project professionals.
The new hospital facility is expected to provide advanced healthcare services to Navi Mumbai residents, improving accessibility and reducing pressure on existing medical institutions. Industry experts highlight that projects of this scale not only expand healthcare capacity but also generate employment opportunities and contribute to regional economic development. Vascon has outlined strategic growth plans alongside this project, targeting 20% annual revenue growth in the EPC segment and aiming to secure roughly ₹1,500 crore of new orders in FY26. The company’s integrated approach, combining design, execution, and modern technology, positions it to deliver sustainable, efficient, and high-quality infrastructure solutions.
In addition to its economic impact, the hospital project aligns with sustainable urban development principles. Officials emphasised that the facility will adhere to energy-efficient building standards and incorporate eco-conscious design elements, reflecting a commitment to sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable public infrastructure. Completion of the hospital is expected to significantly improve the city’s health ecosystem, offering specialised medical services to residents while setting a benchmark for future institutional projects in Navi Mumbai and beyond. The project demonstrates a growing trend of public-private collaboration in enhancing urban health infrastructure in India.
Vascon Engineers Secures 260 Crore Navi Mumbai Super Specialty Hospital Construction Contract
MTNL Moves Ahead With 350 Crore BKC Property Transaction To NABARD
State-owned telecom operator Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) has secured board approval to sell one of its prime residential assets in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for Rs 350.72 crore. The move forms part of MTNL’s broader strategy to monetise underutilised assets and strengthen its financial position.
The property, known as the GN Block of BKC Quarters, comprises 28 residential flats located on MMRDA Plot No. R-4 in Bandra (East). Spanning 2,680 square metres of land with a built-up area of 4,019.02 square metres, the block sits in one of Mumbai’s most coveted business and residential hubs. The transaction is set to proceed either through a government-to-government (G2G) transfer or a direct sale to NABARD. “The sale reflects MTNL’s continued focus on unlocking value from surplus assets while maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks,” an official said. Presidential approval for such asset monetisation was granted in 2020 under Article 69(f) of MTNL’s Articles of Association, and the deal has also received clearance from the Alternative Mechanism as of November 11, 2025.
Under the terms of the agreement, NABARD will bear stamp duty, registration charges, and any additional costs related to property transfer. MTNL has committed to clearing all outstanding dues associated with the housing block before completion. The company will also remit applicable fees to the National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC) in line with a prior undertaking issued in June 2025. Urban affairs and real estate experts note that this transaction is emblematic of an emerging trend among public sector entities in Mumbai to monetise surplus real estate in high-demand locations. “Strategically, these sales not only bolster institutional finances but also offer potential for urban redevelopment aligned with sustainable and equitable city planning,” an industry analyst observed.
The GN Block transaction underscores the significance of integrating financial prudence with urban real estate management. By transferring ownership to NABARD, a government-backed institution, MTNL ensures continuity of use for public sector housing while generating capital for operational and strategic purposes. Analysts highlight that such asset monetisation can also create opportunities for modernising city infrastructure and potentially reducing the environmental footprint associated with underutilised properties. As Mumbai continues to evolve as a high-density financial hub, the sale of strategic properties by public sector undertakings like MTNL represents a balanced approach to fiscal responsibility, urban optimisation, and long-term city planning.
MTNL Moves Ahead With 350 Crore BKC Property Transaction To NABARD
Bombay HC Rejects Developers Request In Mumbai Air Pollution PIL Case
The Bombay High Court on Monday declined to grant an urgent hearing to a consortium of developers seeking intervention in a public interest litigation (PIL) addressing Mumbai’s escalating air pollution. The bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad emphasised that developer compliance with pollution-mitigation norms must first be evaluated before considering their involvement.
The developers argued that mandated sensor-based air quality monitoring was difficult due to limited suppliers, as only 13 vendors authorised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) could provide equipment. However, the court stressed that actionable solutions were more important than repeated affidavits, underscoring the need for concrete accountability measures. A senior advocate noted that the court-appointed independent committee’s report was ready. This panel, formed on November 28 and comprising officials from the BMC, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the public health department, and two legal representatives, conducted site visits between December 6 and 13. The inspections spanned Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, including Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants and other high-AQI zones, and follow-up meetings with BMC officials addressed mitigation strategies.
The court’s focus remains on practical interventions rather than procedural filings. “Let us find out some solutions,” the bench stated, reinforcing the principle of civic accountability and responsible urban governance. The next hearing is scheduled for December 22 at 4 pm. Public health concerns featured prominently during proceedings. An advocate cited a case involving a child whose lung development has been adversely affected by persistent exposure to pollutants, highlighting the urgency of effective air quality management. The Chief Justice reaffirmed that monitoring and compliance are central to addressing such health impacts.
The BMC has detailed multiple measures to curb pollution, including deploying sensors, issuing stop-work notices under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), transitioning bakeries to cleaner fuels, increasing electric bus usage, operating dust mitigation units at critical junctions, and managing construction and demolition waste through dedicated facilities. Officials emphasised that systematic enforcement, combined with developer cooperation, remains key to reducing particulate emissions and protecting vulnerable populations. Experts suggest that ensuring sustainable construction practices and timely monitoring can significantly mitigate urban air pollution in Mumbai. The PIL, coupled with court oversight, could establish a precedent for accountability in rapidly developing Indian cities, balancing economic growth with public health imperatives.
Bombay HC Rejects Developers Request In Mumbai Air Pollution PIL Case
New Delhi Leads Digital Revolution In India Kitchen And Bathroom Fittings Industry
New Delhi is witnessing a quiet but meaningful shift in how Indian households purchase kitchen and bathroom fittings, as a digital-first brand challenges a sector historically dominated by offline distributors and showroom-led sales. Changing consumer expectations around design, durability and ease of purchase are reshaping buying behaviour, with online discovery and direct-to-consumer models emerging as serious alternatives. This transition reflects a broader recalibration underway in India’s urban housing and home improvement landscape.
For decades, the kitchen and bathroom fittings industry functioned through layered dealer networks, limited product visibility and inconsistent pricing. Homeowners were often required to visit multiple stores, rely on sales-driven recommendations and manage logistics independently. Industry experts say this model is increasingly out of step with the priorities of today’s urban consumers, who value transparency, time efficiency and informed decision-making.The digital-first approach gaining ground seeks to simplify this fragmented experience. By moving the entire purchase journey online—from browsing and specification comparison to ordering and delivery—brands are compressing supply chains and offering clearer pricing structures. An industry analyst noted that this shift gives buyers greater control, allowing them to evaluate products on merit rather than availability at a local outlet. It also aligns with the wider trend of consumers conducting extensive online research before committing to home-related purchases.
Launched in 2020, one such direct-to-consumer player has demonstrated how rapidly this model can scale. Operating without external funding, the company expanded its product portfolio to include faucets, sinks, sanitaryware, shower systems and kitchen accessories, catering to the growing demand for coordinated and design-consistent fittings. By 2022, it had crossed an annual turnover of approximately ₹40 crore, highlighting both market appetite and operational viability for digital-led formats in this traditionally conservative category.
Recognising that trust and tactile assurance still matter, especially for functional home infrastructure, the brand has complemented its online presence with experience centres in major Indian cities. These spaces allow customers to physically assess product quality and finishes before placing orders digitally, blending convenience with confidence. Urban planners view this hybrid approach as particularly relevant for dense cities, where reducing repeated store visits can ease both time and mobility pressures.The company’s growing visibility at architecture and building materials exhibitions has also drawn attention from architects, interior designers and developers. Professionals increasingly favour platforms that provide consistent specifications, predictable delivery timelines and uniform quality across geographies—factors that are critical as cities push for faster, more efficient housing development.Beyond convenience, observers point to potential sustainability benefits embedded in digital-first supply chains. Fewer intermediaries and more accurate demand forecasting can reduce excess inventory, packaging waste and unnecessary transport. Clearer product information also supports longer-lasting purchasing decisions, contributing incrementally to lower material turnover in urban homes.
As India’s cities expand and housing preferences evolve, the transformation of the kitchen and bathroom fittings market signals a deeper change in how residents engage with their built environment. The rise of digital-first models suggests that even foundational elements of urban living are being reshaped by technology, transparency and a growing expectation that homes should be both functional and thoughtfully designed.
Mumbai Redefines Luxury Living With Custom Handcrafted Furniture For Modern Indian Homes
Mumbai is witnessing a shift in luxury home interiors as homeowners increasingly demand bespoke, handcrafted furniture tailored to modern lifestyles. Wootique, a premium Indian furniture brand, is leading this transformation by creating custom teak and solid wood pieces that combine artisanal craftsmanship with sustainable practices. From live-edge dining tables to personalised bedroom units, the brand’s designs reflect individual tastes while elevating urban living spaces with elegance, durability, and eco-conscious appeal.
The trend reflects a wider movement among Indian urban homeowners who now prioritise personalisation and sustainability over mass-produced convenience. “Our focus is on creating furniture that tells a story and resonates with the lifestyle of the user,” said a senior Wootique designer. The company begins each project by understanding the client’s aesthetic preferences, functional requirements, and interpretation of luxury, ensuring each piece becomes an intrinsic part of the home’s character.Wootique’s furniture is handcrafted from premium teak and solid wood sourced from responsibly managed forests. Artisans apply traditional joinery and hand-finished detailing, preserving natural textures while enhancing longevity. Modern design sensibilities are woven into each creation, with custom sizing, colour, and design options available for every interior type — from compact Mumbai apartments and Bengaluru penthouses to Jaipur villas and Goa holiday homes.
The brand’s approach also reflects broader sustainability trends within India’s premium housing sector. Industry experts note that contemporary homeowners increasingly value eco-conscious interiors that combine aesthetic appeal with durability. “Bespoke, sustainably crafted furniture is becoming central to luxury urban living in India,” said an urban design consultant. Wootique integrates these preferences into every piece, ensuring that functionality, elegance, and environmental responsibility co-exist seamlessly.Production involves a meticulous multi-step process, from precision cutting and polishing to custom finishing. Skilled artisans oversee every stage, combining technical expertise with creative intuition to deliver furniture that can last generations. The result is a curated, intimate, and enduring environment where design, craftsmanship, and personal expression converge.
By blending artisanal skill, modern design, and sustainability, Wootique exemplifies the evolving concept of luxury in Indian homes. Their bespoke furniture not only enhances interiors aesthetically but also reflects a broader urban shift towards environmentally conscious, personalised, and enduring living spaces that resonate with homeowners’ lifestyles and values.
Bengaluru Leads Orient Electric Electronics Home Appliances Campaign Through WPP Media Strategy
Bengaluru has become the centre for Orient Electric’s ambitious push in electronics and home appliances, as the company partners with WPP Media to drive an integrated, data‑driven campaign. The collaboration is designed to enhance brand visibility, connect with urban and semi‑urban consumers, and create a seamless journey from awareness to purchase across digital and offline platforms. Industry experts view this as a strategic shift toward full‑funnel marketingin India’s competitive home appliances market.
Under the new mandate, WPP Media will oversee planning, buying, and execution across Orient Electric’s diverse portfolio, including fans, lighting, switches, and other home electrical solutions. By combining creativity with real-time data analytics, the campaign aims to strengthen engagement, optimise media investment, and deliver measurable business outcomes. “Consumers now expect consistent brand experiences across multiple touchpoints, and integrated media ensures relevance and impact,” an industry expert said.This partnership reflects the broader trend of consumer brands adopting connected media strategies to respond to evolving audience behaviours. With digital adoption rising in India’s urban and semi-urban markets, buyers increasingly navigate multiple screens and channels before making a purchase decision. For Orient Electric, a company long reliant on traditional advertising, this approach represents a move toward intelligent, insights-driven campaigns that align media spend with customer behaviour and purchase intent.
WPP Media’s involvement also signals the growing importance of holistic campaign management, where creative storytelling, media planning, and performance tracking are unified under a single strategy. According to an official from Orient Electric, the partnership is intended not only to drive sales but also to create meaningful touchpoints across consumer journeys, reinforcing the brand’s presence in India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector.Experts note that integrating data-driven insights with creative execution allows brands like Orient Electric to optimise content, timing, and channel selection, delivering more personalised experiences while maintaining efficiency. The strategy is expected to strengthen the company’s footprint in key metropolitan markets while enhancing visibility in smaller towns where demand for reliable, energy-efficient home appliances is rising.From a broader perspective, such campaigns also intersect with sustainable urban development. As Indian cities grow, energy-efficient appliances, smart home solutions, and reliable electrical products become essential to modern living. By effectively communicating these benefits, Orient Electric positions itself not only as a consumer brand but also as a contributor to inclusive, sustainable urban lifestyles.
Through this strategic collaboration, Orient Electric is set to reshape its media approach, demonstrating how traditional consumer brands can adapt to evolving market expectations. The WPP Media partnership highlights the increasing convergence of creativity, analytics, and consumer insight in India’s electronics and home appliances industry, providing a blueprint for other brands navigating urban and semi-urban markets.
India Samsung Celebrates Three Decades Transforming Consumer Electronics Industry Nationwide
Samsung has completed 30 years of operations in India, establishing itself as a leading force in the consumer electronics sector. From its early beginnings in a small New Delhi office in 1995, the company has expanded local manufacturing, driven India-led research and development, and introduced innovations tailored for Indian households. As it launches the #PoweringInnovationForIndia vision, Samsung aims to deepen its role in shaping a digitally inclusive, technologically advanced, and future-ready consumer electronics ecosystem across the country.
Over the past three decades, Samsung India has steadily built a robust manufacturing and innovation infrastructure. The company now operates multiple production facilities and design centres across the country, focusing on energy-efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced consumer electronics. “India is not just a market but a key innovation hub,” said a senior Samsung official. “Our initiatives are designed to integrate local talent, research, and sustainable practices to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers.”The #PoweringInnovationForIndia programme represents the next phase of Samsung’s growth, emphasising deeper investment in local R&D, collaboration with startups and developers, and the adoption of green manufacturing technologies. By designing products specifically for Indian households, Samsung has enhanced accessibility, usability, and digital inclusion, helping bridge technology gaps in urban and semi-urban regions. Analysts note that this approach mirrors broader global trends where multinational consumer electronics companies increasingly localise innovation to support regional economic and social development.
Education and skill development are also central to Samsung’s India strategy. Through partnerships with educational institutions and civic initiatives, the company is empowering young technologists and engineers, fostering innovation ecosystems, and promoting inclusive growth. A senior urban development analyst highlighted that “companies like Samsung play a vital role in integrating technology with social impact, demonstrating how industrial growth can align with equitable urban and digital futures.”Looking forward, Samsung’s strategy aims to balance market leadership with environmental and social responsibility. The expansion of sustainable manufacturing practices, investment in India-led product design, and focus on digital literacy initiatives position the company to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s innovation-led growth trajectory. The company’s vision underscores a commitment to future-ready consumer electronics that are not only technologically advanced but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.
By integrating global expertise with local innovation, Samsung continues to shape the Indian consumer electronics landscape while supporting sustainable urban development and inclusive technological growth. The company’s three-decade journey offers insights into how multinational corporations can create long-term value for both markets and communities, driving India’s rise as a hub for innovation and sustainable industry practices.
oa Gets IKEA India Online Home Décor And Furniture Deliveries Nationwide Access
Goa has joined IKEA India’s digital expansion with the launch of online home décor and furniture deliveries, offering over 6,400 products through its app, website, and assisted phone orders. This move brings organised, sustainable furnishing solutions to a region previously without physical stores, reflecting a growing trend in Indian cities where digital retail is bridging gaps in access, convenience, and eco-conscious consumer demand.
The expansion forms part of IKEA India’s broader strategy to reach emerging markets through digital channels before committing to physical store presence. Delivery timelines are set between three and seven days, allowing households across Goa to access curated furniture and décor selections that were previously available only in larger metropolitan centres. A senior retail strategist noted that such initiatives address untapped demand in states with growing middle-class populations and seasonal tourism-driven housing markets.Beyond product availability, IKEA India is offering supplementary services to enhance the digital shopping experience. Customers can access planning support, assembly, and installation services, alongside a 365-day return policy on select items. These services are particularly important for first-time online buyers in regions where traditional retail options are limited, helping replicate the experiential benefits of a physical store within a digital framework.
Sustainability considerations remain central to IKEA India’s operational model. Deliveries are optimised for efficient routing, reducing carbon emissions associated with last-mile logistics. Additionally, products incorporate sustainable materials and design principles, aligning with urban households’ growing preference for eco-conscious furniture and the development of greener, more inclusive cityscapes. “Efficient digital delivery not only improves access but also supports environmentally responsible consumption,” an IKEA India spokesperson said.Goa already counts nearly 10,000 members in IKEA’s loyalty programme, signalling latent demand for organised home furnishing solutions. Analysts suggest that digital retail in smaller urban and coastal markets can significantly reshape consumer behaviour, moving buyers away from informal local supply chains towards structured, sustainable options. The expansion also demonstrates how omnichannel strategies can balance convenience, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility in India’s evolving retail landscape.
Urban development observers highlight that online access to curated home décor and furniture contributes to broader sustainable city goals. By reducing the need for long-distance travel to major urban centres for shopping, e-commerce initiatives like IKEA India’s delivery model help lower transport emissions, support climate-resilient urban living, and encourage equitable access to quality products for residents in diverse housing contexts.As digital retail strengthens its footprint in regions such as Goa, the model may pave the way for future physical stores while continuing to prioritise sustainable and inclusive urban consumption. IKEA India’s approach exemplifies how thoughtfully implemented online expansion can meet growing urban demand while reinforcing environmental and social responsibility.