Mumbai Cabinet Approves Police Housing Township Project
ASK Property Fund Supports Gami Group With Rs 210 Crore Funding
Bhubaneswar’s eligibility for central housing support under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) has hit a roadblock due to administrative delays at the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). Nearly a year after directives from the housing and urban development department, the BDA has yet to submit a certified list of revenue villages required for inclusion in the PMAY-U 2.0 portal, prompting renewed instructions to prioritise the matter immediately. The delay threatens access to affordable housing for thousands residing in the city’s fringe areas.
The BDA was first instructed on February 28, 2025, to provide the list in a prescribed format signed by the vice-chairman. Officials in the urban development department emphasised that timely submission is crucial, as it determines Bhubaneswar’s eligibility for fresh housing project approvals under the central scheme. With the portal still lacking certified data, Bhubaneswar has been excluded from the recent list of ULBs granted new project sanctions. Urban planners and real estate experts say the setback illustrates a growing disconnect between city administration and central housing initiatives. “PMAY-U 2.0 is a decade-long programme aimed at accelerating urban housing equity,” said a senior urban development consultant. “Delays like this not only impede policy implementation but also leave vulnerable households without timely access to subsidised housing.”
The implications extend beyond residents. Analysts point out that PMAY-U 2.0 projects typically catalyse local construction activity, generate employment, and encourage sustainable urban densification. Bhubaneswar missing out on allocations can therefore affect broader urban growth patterns, especially in rapidly expanding peripheral zones. BDA officials noted that once the draft list is prepared, it will undergo scrutiny at the estate level before formal submission to the state government. In the meantime, other urban local bodies (ULBs) across Odisha have moved forward with new housing proposals, highlighting Bhubaneswar’s administrative lag. Real estate professionals stressed that the delay could also limit the city’s ability to leverage central funds efficiently, potentially pushing back project timelines for thousands of dwellings.
Recent approvals under the Odisha Urban Housing Mission (OUHM) illustrate the urgency. On Friday, 75 new housing projects covering 72 ULBs were sanctioned under the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) vertical of PMAY-U 2.0, enabling construction of 6,871 units. The contrast underscores how procedural gaps at BDA may translate into tangible delays in affordable housing delivery. Urban development authorities and planners now face pressure to expedite village certification and align Bhubaneswar’s approvals with the central scheme to ensure equitable access to housing, support local construction activity, and maintain the city’s urban growth trajectory.
ASK Property Fund Supports Gami Group With Rs 210 Crore Funding
CIDCO Clears Ulwe Plot For Sri Padmavathi Temple
The Maharashtra cabinet has sanctioned the allotment of a 3.6-acre parcel in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for the construction of a Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting on January 17, includes a symbolic rate of ₹1 per square metre and a waiver of related land charges, formalising months of deliberation over the proposal.
Located in Sector 12, the plot lies within a rapidly developing node under the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), strategically close to the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link. CIDCO officials noted that the allotment aligns with earlier decisions granting nominal land to TTD for religious projects in Mumbai, including Bandra and Kherwadi, reinforcing a pattern of concessional allocations for non-commercial spiritual institutions. Urban planning experts observe that such allotments carry both civic and economic implications. “Land in Ulwe has appreciated sharply due to airport and transport-linked development,” said a senior urban planner. “The presence of a large religious institution could generate steady footfall, supporting local commercial activity and religious tourism while shaping land-use patterns in this emerging node.”
TTD plans to construct the temple following traditional Dravidian architectural principles, incorporating elements like a grand rajagopuram, sanctum vimana, and multiple mandapams, using granite as the primary material. The project intends to provide devotees in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region year-round access to worship without travelling to Andhra Pradesh, reflecting a growing trend of decentralising cultural and religious infrastructure to suburban nodes. Environmental considerations have been factored into the design. Ulwe’s coastal setting posed ecological concerns, particularly regarding mangrove conservation and flood risk. Officials confirmed that the National Green Tribunal had dismissed challenges after the trust committed to confining permanent structures to non-CRZ zones and adopting an elevated plinth for flood mitigation.
The cabinet decision illustrates the delicate balance between urban growth, land allocation policy, and public interest in high-value urban nodes. By approving the allotment, the government has leveraged policy precedents to facilitate civic infrastructure with cultural significance while retaining oversight of planning norms and environmental safeguards. CIDCO is expected to issue the formal allotment letter shortly, enabling the TTD to initiate detailed architectural and construction planning. The project underscores the growing integration of transport-linked development with cultural infrastructure in Navi Mumbai, signalling broader trends in suburban urbanisation and the role of strategic land management in fostering civic and economic value.
CIDCO Clears Ulwe Plot For Sri Padmavathi Temple
Navi Mumbai Property Tax Digitisation Wins National Award
Navi Mumbai’s municipal governance model has received national recognition after its property tax reforms were acknowledged at a prominent public policy and governance awards platform. The recognition highlights how data-led administration and citizen-focused systems are reshaping urban revenue collection in one of India’s fastest-growing planned cities.
Urban officials confirmed that the award recognised innovations in property tax assessment, billing, and compliance mechanisms that have significantly improved transparency and collection efficiency. These reforms are particularly relevant for Navi Mumbai, where rapid residential and commercial expansion has placed increasing pressure on civic finances and service delivery systems. Over the past few years, the city’s civic administration has transitioned from manual, paper-based assessments to integrated digital platforms. Industry experts note that the introduction of GIS-based property mapping, automated demand generation, and online payment interfaces has reduced leakages while improving taxpayer convenience. The use of spatial data has also enabled more accurate property classification, limiting disputes and reducing the administrative burden on both residents and municipal staff.
Urban planners point out that efficient property tax systems are critical for sustainable city management. Unlike external funding or debt-led infrastructure expansion, property tax revenues provide predictable, locally generated capital that can be reinvested into public services such as road maintenance, drainage upgrades, solid waste management, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Navi Mumbai’s reforms are increasingly seen as a template for other mid-sized Indian cities seeking fiscal self-reliance. The reforms have also focused on inclusivity. Senior civic officials indicate that targeted grievance redress mechanisms, transparent valuation methods, and simplified digital access have helped improve compliance across income groups. By reducing discretionary decision-making, the system has strengthened trust between residents and the municipal authority, a factor often missing in urban tax frameworks.
Real estate analysts say the impact extends beyond municipal balance sheets. Predictable and transparent taxation lowers regulatory uncertainty for developers and homebuyers, supporting long-term investment decisions. In planned nodes such as Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, and Kharghar, improved civic revenue management has translated into better upkeep of public spaces and infrastructure, reinforcing property values and liveability. The recognition comes at a time when Navi Mumbai is preparing for a new phase of growth driven by major transport investments, including airport-linked development and metro expansion. Experts argue that strong municipal finance systems will be essential to manage this growth without compromising environmental sustainability or service equity.
Looking ahead, urban governance specialists suggest that the next challenge lies in linking property tax data with climate planning tools, enabling cities to prioritise spending on flood mitigation, energy-efficient public assets, and resilient neighbourhood design. Navi Mumbai’s experience demonstrates that fiscal innovation, when combined with technology and institutional discipline, can become a powerful enabler of sustainable urban development.
Navi Mumbai Property Tax Digitisation Wins National Award
Navi Mumbai Housing Demand Rises On Infrastructure Push
Navi Mumbai is steadily transitioning from a planned satellite township into one of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s most structurally resilient housing markets, supported by transport-led growth, decentralised employment zones, and consistent civic management. As congestion, affordability pressure, and infrastructure strain intensify in Mumbai, households and investors are increasingly shifting eastward in search of stability, space, and long-term value.
Unlike earlier phases of suburban spillover, the current housing momentum in Navi Mumbai is not being driven solely by price arbitrage. Urban planners and market analysts point to the city’s integrated planning framework, cleaner streets, predictable traffic movement, and access to everyday services as decisive factors influencing buyer behaviour. The presence of self-sufficient neighbourhoods has reduced dependence on Mumbai’s core while improving quality of life indicators. Established nodes such as Vashi, CBD Belapur, Seawoods, Nerul, and Kharghar continue to attract mid- to premium-segment buyers due to mature social infrastructure, established retail zones, and strong rail-road connectivity. These locations have benefited from decades of phased development, ensuring access to healthcare, education, employment clusters, and public transport within walkable or short-commute distances.
Infrastructure delivery has played a central role in reshaping residential demand patterns. The operational Mumbai Trans Harbour Link has sharply reduced travel times to South Mumbai, altering perceptions of distance and accessibility. This has brought previously peripheral nodes such as Ulwe, Panvel, and Uran into sharper focus for long-term housing investment. The expansion of the Navi Mumbai Metro network and the nearing operationalisation of the Navi Mumbai International Airport are expected to further redistribute employment and residential density across the region. Affordability remains a defining advantage. While prices in core nodes reflect their maturity, a wide range of budget and mid-income options continue to emerge in locations such as Kamothe, Kalamboli, Ghansoli, Taloja Extension, and Dronagiri. These areas offer planned layouts, upcoming transit connectivity, and access to future employment corridors, making them particularly attractive to first-time buyers and end-users.
Urban development authorities and private developers have increasingly aligned projects with transit-oriented planning, improved open space ratios, and energy-efficient construction norms. Industry experts note that this shift is helping Navi Mumbai absorb population growth without replicating the environmental and mobility stresses seen in older urban centres. Commercial expansion is also reinforcing housing demand. Growth in IT parks, logistics facilities, and data infrastructure has strengthened local employment generation, reducing commute distances and supporting a more balanced live-work ecosystem.
As infrastructure phases move from planning to execution, the challenge ahead lies in maintaining governance standards, environmental safeguards, and affordability. If managed carefully, Navi Mumbai’s evolution offers a scalable blueprint for climate-resilient, people-first urban expansion within India’s largest metropolitan region.
Navi Mumbai Housing Demand Rises On Infrastructure Push
L&T Realty Acquires Prime Elphinstone Road Land For Office Project
L&T Realty has strengthened its presence in Mumbai’s central business corridor with the acquisition of development rights over a strategically located land parcel at Elphinstone Road. The transaction reflects sustained confidence in the long-term demand for Grade A office space in well-connected urban micro-markets, even as occupiers recalibrate workspace strategies.
According to property registration documents, L&T Realty has secured development rights over a 1.34-acre land parcel, locally known as Khatri Estate, spanning more than 5,400 square metres. The total transaction value is estimated at approximately ₹448.6 crore, highlighting the premium commanded by scarce commercial land in central Mumbai. Elphinstone Road’s proximity to Lower Parel, one of the city’s most established office clusters, continues to make it attractive for large-scale commercial developments. The deal structure includes a combination of upfront monetary consideration and a built-up area sharing arrangement. Under this model, the original landowner is set to receive a portion of commercial space in the completed project along with designated parking rights. Such hybrid structures have become increasingly common in high-value urban transactions, enabling developers to optimise capital deployment while aligning stakeholder interests.
L&T Realty plans to develop a landmark office tower on the site, comprising multiple basement levels, podium floors and nearly thirty storeys of office space. Industry observers note that central Mumbai remains a preferred destination for financial services firms, media companies and corporate headquarters seeking efficient floor plates, strong transit access and proximity to established residential catchments. Elphinstone Road benefits from direct access to the suburban rail network, upcoming metro corridors and major arterial roads, positioning the location as a transit-oriented commercial hub. Urban planners point out that such connectivity is increasingly critical as companies look to reduce commute times and improve workforce accessibility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The transaction also underscores a broader revival in Mumbai’s commercial real estate market. After a period of subdued activity, leasing momentum has begun to stabilise, with occupiers prioritising high-quality buildings that meet modern sustainability, energy efficiency and employee well-being standards. Developers, in turn, are focusing on fewer but larger projects in established business districts. From an urban development perspective, projects of this scale place renewed emphasis on responsible planning, including traffic management, infrastructure capacity and environmental performance. Analysts note that the success of L&T Realty’s proposed development will depend not only on leasing outcomes, but also on how effectively it integrates with surrounding civic infrastructure.
As Mumbai continues to expand vertically and densify its commercial core, the Elphinstone Road acquisition positions L&T Realty as a key participant in shaping the next phase of the city’s office market evolution.
L&T Realty Acquires Prime Elphinstone Road Land For Office Project
Navi Mumbai CIDCO Launches Urban Farming Centre
Navi Mumbai has taken a decisive step towards integrating food systems into urban planning with the launch of its first dedicated Urban Agriculture Centre in Kharghar. Developed on land traditionally considered unsuitable for construction, the initiative reflects a growing shift in how planned cities are rethinking unused spaces to support climate resilience, community engagement and sustainable livelihoods.
The centre has been established on a parcel located beneath high-tension electricity lines, an area typically restricted from built development. Under a green zoning approach adopted by the city’s planning authority, such land is being repurposed for environmentally compatible uses rather than remaining idle. Urban planners see this as a pragmatic response to land scarcity in expanding metropolitan regions. Situated in Sector 5 near a major public junction, the site was originally allocated over a decade ago for a small nursery and agricultural information facility. Over time, consistent public participation transformed the space into a functioning city-level farming hub, offering residents access to saplings, basic cultivation knowledge and hands-on exposure to growing food within urban limits.
The project has now entered a more formal phase with an institutional partnership between a regional agricultural development body and a state-run agricultural university. Officials familiar with the collaboration say the agreement is designed to strengthen city-focused farming practices across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, blending academic research with on-ground experimentation. Under the arrangement, the Kharghar centre will host structured training programmes, short-term courses and live demonstrations focused on urban agriculture, natural cultivation methods and small-scale agri-enterprise models. These initiatives are expected to benefit a wide range of users, including apartment residents interested in terrace farming, students exploring agri-science careers and first-time entrepreneurs testing micro-business ideas.
Urban environment experts point out that urban agriculture centres play a role beyond food production. Such spaces contribute to local cooling, improved soil health and increased tree cover, all of which are critical as cities face rising heat stress and climate variability. They also help reconnect urban populations with food systems, fostering awareness around sustainability and consumption patterns. The development is also being closely watched by real estate and planning professionals. Green-use projects embedded within residential nodes tend to enhance neighbourhood liveability by introducing open spaces and community activity zones. In planned areas like Kharghar, this can influence long-term housing demand by strengthening the social and environmental fabric of the locality.
However, the initiative has not been without debate. Some civic groups have raised concerns over public access to areas beneath high-voltage power lines. Planning officials maintain that safety norms are being followed and that green, non-structural uses are permitted under existing guidelines. As Navi Mumbai continues to grow, the urban agriculture centre offers a working example of how cities can align land-use policy with sustainability goals. The next challenge will be scaling such models responsibly, ensuring safety, inclusivity and long-term viability while integrating them into the broader urban ecosystem.
Navi Mumbai CIDCO Launches Urban Farming Centre
Sunteck Realty Launches Premium Residences In Goregaon
Mumbai-based developer Sunteck Realty is set to introduce a new ultra-luxury residential project in Goregaon West, representing a strategic expansion of the company’s premium portfolio in India’s most active urban property market. The initial phase of the development, covering approximately 0.5 million square feet of saleable area, will feature around 225 three- and four-bedroom residences, each starting from 1,250 square feet, according to company disclosures. The project carries a gross development value (GDV) of ₹1,250 crore, with the overall investment pegged at ₹3,000 crore.
Urban planners and market analysts note that Goregaon West has emerged as a critical node for high-end residential growth in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, supported by improved connectivity, proximity to commercial hubs, and access to civic amenities. The project is expected to contribute to the local real estate ecosystem not only through residential offerings but also by generating rental income and creating employment opportunities during construction and operations. Sunteck Realty anticipates a significant increase in its rental and capital value metrics as a result of this project. Rental income, currently at around ₹70 crore in fiscal year 2025, is projected to rise to ₹320 crore by fiscal year 2028-29, while the company’s capital value is expected to scale from ₹1,050 crore to ₹5,000 crore in the same period. Real estate economists suggest that these projections reflect both market confidence in Mumbai’s luxury segment and the developer’s strategic positioning in high-demand micro-markets.
Industry observers also highlight the implications for sustainable urban development. Incorporating contemporary design, energy-efficient building systems, and integrated amenities can enhance quality of life while reducing environmental footprints—a growing consideration for developers and buyers alike in Mumbai’s dense urban districts. Developers focusing on premium segments increasingly integrate green landscaping, efficient water and energy management, and community-oriented shared spaces, aligning with broader goals of climate-resilient and equitable urban growth. The launch comes amid a broader trend of Mumbai luxury developers consolidating their presence in established suburban clusters such as Goregaon, Andheri, and Bandra-Kurla Complex. Analysts emphasise that the new development reinforces the appeal of these neighbourhoods for both end-users and investors seeking long-term capital appreciation.
Sunteck Realty’s initiative also reflects an emerging model of staged project delivery, allowing for phased sales, operational scaling, and portfolio management. By launching the first phase with 225 residences, the company can test market absorption and fine-tune subsequent offerings, ensuring alignment with buyer expectations and urban infrastructure capacities. As Mumbai’s high-end residential market continues to evolve, projects like Sunteck’s Goregaon development illustrate the intersection of luxury real estate, investment growth, and sustainable city planning, setting benchmarks for premium housing within the metropolitan region.
Sunteck Realty Launches Premium Residences In Goregaon
House of Hiranandani Expands Into Flexible Workspaces
Mumbai-based real estate developer House of Hiranandani has entered the flexible workspace segment with a pilot co-working centre at Powai, signalling a strategic shift in how established developers are responding to evolving office demand in India’s largest commercial market. The initial facility, located within the Hiranandani Gardens township, marks the group’s first operational step into managed office spaces amid changing work patterns and rising demand for adaptable commercial real estate.
Industry sources indicate the pilot currently offers 160 workstations, with scope for expansion to around 500 seats within the same property. Rather than following a conventional long-term leasing model, the developer has opted to test flexible formats that prioritise shorter commitments, shared infrastructure, and operational efficiency. Urban planners note that such models reduce vacancy risk while making better use of underutilised built assets in dense city precincts. The move reflects broader structural changes underway in Mumbai’s office market, particularly in decentralised hubs such as Powai, Andheri, and Thane. As companies rebalance hybrid work policies, demand is shifting away from large, single-tenant offices towards scalable spaces that can expand or contract with workforce needs. Flexible offices are increasingly viewed as a bridge between remote work and traditional commercial real estate.
According to people familiar with the company’s plans, additional properties across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region may be evaluated for similar conversions, depending on the performance of the Powai pilot. This approach aligns with a growing trend among large developers who are reassessing how mixed-use townships can support employment closer to residential clusters, reducing commute distances and associated carbon emissions. The entry into co-working also complements the developer’s ongoing commercial pipeline. In late 2025, the company announced a significant investment towards a new office development in Andheri East, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Mumbai’s business districts. With several million square feet of office space already under management across the region, flexible workspaces are emerging as an extension rather than a departure from its core commercial strategy.
Market analysts point out that India’s flex office sector is projected to expand rapidly over the next two years, driven by technology firms, startups, and Global Capability Centres seeking agility and cost predictability. Mumbai, while traditionally dominated by conventional leases, is now witnessing stronger adoption as landlords adapt to occupier expectations around sustainability, amenities, and mobility access. From an urban development perspective, flexible offices embedded within established townships offer potential civic benefits. By integrating workspaces with housing, retail, and public transport, such developments can ease peak-hour congestion and support more balanced neighbourhood economies. As Mumbai continues to densify, adaptive reuse of commercial space is expected to play a growing role in shaping resilient, people-centric business districts.
House of Hiranandani Expands Into Flexible Workspaces
BDD Chawl Redevelopment Faces Delay Call As Residents Raise Concerns
