Bollywood Actress Malaika Arora Sells Andheri West Apartment For Rs 5.3 Crore
MHADA To Launch Lottery Offering 4500 Affordable Homes In Pune Pimpri Chinchwad
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority’s Pune division is set to announce a housing lottery of nearly 4,500 affordable homes across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad within the next fortnight. The initiative is expected to ease the rising housing demand in the region, where urban expansion and industrial growth have fuelled a surge in residential requirements.
According to officials, this will be the fourth housing lottery in less than two years, demonstrating MHADA’s continued efforts to expand access to affordable homes in Maharashtra’s key urban centres. Over the past 18 months, three lotteries have already been successfully conducted in the Pune district, reflecting strong public response and highlighting the growing appetite for cost-effective housing solutions. The Pune board of MHADA manages projects across multiple districts, including Pune, Kolhapur, Solapur, Sangli, and Satara. Its housing lotteries, spread across these geographies, aim to provide equitable homeownership opportunities for low and middle-income families. Officials confirmed that the upcoming lottery will cover both Pune city and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with allocations spread across different categories to ensure wider reach and inclusivity.
Beyond the immediate lottery, MHADA has also identified new project sites in emerging localities such as Chakan and Nere. These regions, bolstered by industrial corridors and expanding residential demand, are now regarded as promising hubs for future housing development. By prioritising these areas, the authority seeks to not only address current demand but also prepare for the housing requirements of rapidly urbanising suburbs. Redevelopment remains another key focus. In Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Sant Tukaram Nagar, nearly 1,000 old tenements are currently undergoing redevelopment. The project, being facilitated through private partnerships with MHADA’s regulatory oversight, is designed to modernise housing stock while preserving tenant rights. Authorities emphasised that such collaborations allow residents to benefit from new infrastructure while maintaining transparent allocation under housing norms.
However, MHADA has also had to contend with malpractice. Officials acknowledged that some private developers attempted to bypass rules by diverting homes intended for lottery beneficiaries. Investigations have been initiated in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and legal action has been pursued against developers found in violation of guidelines. Strict adherence to eligibility criteria, they stressed, will continue to be enforced to protect citizens’ interests and maintain the credibility of the housing system. With the lottery announcement just days away, the authority’s renewed push highlights both the scale of urban housing challenges and the role of transparent, affordable housing programmes in addressing them. For Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad residents, the upcoming draw offers renewed hope of owning a home in one of Maharashtra’s most aspirational markets.
MHADA To Launch Lottery Offering 4500 Affordable Homes In Pune Pimpri Chinchwad
MHADA Launching WhatsApp Chatbot To Help Applicants Track Housing Projects Easily
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is preparing to introduce a WhatsApp-based chatbot that will allow applicants to access information about housing projects, eligibility norms, and application timelines from their phones. The initiative aims to streamline communication, reduce in-person visits, and make affordable housing schemes more accessible to citizens across the state.
Officials confirmed that the chatbot is being designed as a single-window digital tool, particularly useful during housing lottery announcements when the authority receives thousands of queries. Most queries relate to eligibility criteria, application procedures, and project details—issues that often overload helplines and field offices. With the new system, responses will be available instantly, eliminating delays for applicants. The chatbot will operate through simple category-specific codes. For instance, typing ‘HIG’ will generate details of projects in the High-Income Group category, while similar commands will provide information about other segments. According to officials, this will allow applicants to filter relevant projects without navigating multiple websites or physical offices.
Experts note that this intervention is significant for an authority like MHADA, which plays a pivotal role in affordable housing delivery across Maharashtra. By leveraging widely used digital platforms like WhatsApp, the authority is not only improving efficiency but also expanding digital inclusion. For applicants in smaller towns and rural areas, such initiatives reduce the cost and time spent travelling to city offices, ensuring a more equitable access to housing schemes. The chatbot is also being positioned as part of a broader effort to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and carbon footprints associated with physical visits. Officials pointed out that citizens should be able to access services from their homes rather than standing in long queues, which aligns with sustainable governance and smarter urban service delivery models.
Analysts believe that the adoption of such digital platforms could set a precedent for other civic bodies managing essential services like water supply, transport, and health services. With more urban residents relying on smartphones, WhatsApp-based services have the potential to bridge the information gap between citizens and government agencies, creating greater transparency and accountability. The launch is expected in the coming months, with trials underway in select divisions. Once operational, the chatbot will provide round-the-clock support, marking a shift in how citizens interact with state housing authorities. While the initiative will not replace existing support systems, it is designed to complement them, reducing workload and enabling staff to focus on complex cases.
Urban planners argue that technology-led governance, when paired with human oversight, can play a critical role in building inclusive and sustainable cities. MHADA’s move is being seen as an important step towards modernising public service delivery, where convenience and accountability go hand in hand.
MHADA Launching WhatsApp Chatbot To Help Applicants Track Housing Projects Easily
Agami Realty Boosts Mumbai Luxury Real Estate With Bandra Redevelopment Projects Worth Rs 950 Crore
Mumbai’s luxury housing market is witnessing renewed momentum as Agami Realty, a developer with over five decades of experience, has entered the premium residential segment through two major redevelopment projects in Bandra. Together valued at around Rs 950 crore, these ventures are positioned to set fresh benchmarks in design, sustainability, and community-focused living in one of Mumbai’s most aspirational neighbourhoods.
The first project, Agami Eternity, located in Bandra East, has already been completed and received its occupancy certificate well ahead of schedule. With its modern layouts and connectivity advantages, the development has achieved a complete sell-out, with homes scheduled for handover in September 2025, nearly one and a half years before the official RERA deadline. This performance underlines the growing appetite for premium housing options in Mumbai that blend contemporary architecture with sustainable planning. Designed by international architects, the development integrates open layouts with curated cultural elements, including installations and lobby artworks that honour the unique heritage of Kalanagar. Experts note that such community-centric design demonstrates how developers are beginning to balance modern lifestyle aspirations with local identity, creating projects that resonate with both tradition and progress.
The second redevelopment project, also in Bandra East, pays homage to the MIG Cricket Club, a landmark of Mumbai’s sporting culture. Planned as an ultra-luxury development, it promises lifetime views of the cricket ground, making it one of the rare offerings that combine exclusivity with cultural relevance. According to officials, this project has already secured financing through leading banking institutions, signalling strong investor confidence in Agami Realty’s strategy. Industry experts suggest that Agami’s entry into the luxury market reflects a larger shift in Mumbai’s redevelopment landscape. With land scarcity and rising demand for premium living, developers are leveraging redevelopment to unlock valuable locations while offering residents environmentally conscious and technologically integrated living spaces. By prioritising sustainability and timely delivery, Agami Realty positions itself within a segment that increasingly values energy efficiency, green features, and community integration as much as luxury finishes.
Agami Realty’s journey began in Boisar, where it successfully delivered over a million square feet of residential and mixed-use projects, providing homes to more than 2,000 families. Projects such as Sapphire and Emerald earned the developer recognition for consistent quality and community-building. Now, with its expansion into Bandra, Agami Realty is signalling a long-term commitment to transforming Mumbai’s residential landscape with a blend of heritage sensitivity and forward-looking design. Urban development experts believe that such projects could shape the future of Mumbai’s luxury real estate by creating living spaces that are not only aspirational but also sustainable, offering a template for how redevelopment can contribute to equitable and resilient cities.
Agami Realty Boosts Mumbai Luxury Real Estate With Bandra Redevelopment Projects Worth Rs 950 Crore
Bollywood Actor Kartik Aaryan Buys 2000 Sq Ft Alibaug Plot Worth Rs 2 Crore
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has marked his entry into real estate investment with the purchase of a land parcel in Alibaug, Maharashtra. The 2,000 sq ft plot, valued at Rs 2 crore, is located within the premium development Chateau de Alibaug by The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL).
According to officials, the land acquisition reflects the growing popularity of Alibaug as a second home and luxury lifestyle destination for Mumbai’s affluent residents. The project is part of HoABL’s branded land initiative, which has already attracted high-profile buyers, including leading film stars and corporate leaders. Industry experts note that Alibaug, often referred to as the “Hamptons of Mumbai”, has witnessed a surge in demand in recent years. Improved connectivity through the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and ferry services from Mandwa Jetty has reduced travel time, making it increasingly viable for both leisure and permanent residences.
The Chateau de Alibaug project is designed to promote sustainable and community-driven living. Its facilities include landscaped green spaces, reflexology pathways, rooftop gardens, wellness areas, and eco-conscious clubhouses. Real estate analysts believe such integrated amenities are reshaping consumer expectations, as buyers seek not just property but holistic lifestyle experiences. For Aaryan, this purchase signifies his first direct land investment, adding to his expanding real estate portfolio. His move follows similar acquisitions in the region by other Bollywood figures, further cementing Alibaug’s reputation as an elite property hub.
The trend is not merely about celebrity preferences, experts emphasise. Rising environmental awareness, urban stress, and the need for healthier living environments are driving demand for suburban coastal retreats. Alibaug, with its mix of natural landscapes and luxury developments, stands out as one of the few locations that balances exclusivity with accessibility. Developers argue that the entry of public figures into Alibaug’s real estate market has strengthened investor confidence. With premium branded projects offering transparency, clear titles, and modern amenities, more urban professionals and high-net-worth individuals are showing interest in land banking and villa development in the region.
While the Alibaug market is growing rapidly, sustainability remains at the centre of discussions. Officials associated with HoABL highlight that projects like Chateau de Alibaug integrate eco-sensitive planning, water conservation measures, and green community infrastructure—critical aspects as coastal towns expand to accommodate new demand. With this acquisition, Aaryan joins a wave of influential buyers shaping Alibaug’s identity as a high-value, sustainable real estate destination. Analysts forecast continued growth in this market, particularly as infrastructure upgrades improve connectivity between Mumbai and the Konkan belt.
Bollywood Actor Kartik Aaryan Buys 2000 Sq Ft Alibaug Plot Worth Rs 2 Crore
Arkade Developers Acquires Bhandup Land For Rs 148 Crore To Boost Mumbai Growth
Mumbai’s property market received a fresh boost with Arkade Developers announcing the acquisition of a 14,364-square-metre land parcel in Bhandup (West) for ₹148 crore. The deal, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, involves the complete purchase of Woollen and Textile Industries Ltd, ensuring Arkade gains full ownership of the strategically positioned plot.
Officials from the developer confirmed that the purchase reflects a deliberate effort to consolidate its presence in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. With 31 projects already completed across 5 million square feet and another 2 million square feet under development, Arkade is seeking to deepen its portfolio with new residential and commercial offerings in emerging city zones. Industry experts observed that Bhandup has evolved into one of the more dynamic suburban nodes, thanks to its improving transport infrastructure and connectivity to both eastern and western corridors of Mumbai. The area benefits from its proximity to the central business district and major transit networks, making it attractive to mid-segment and premium housing buyers. The newly acquired land is expected to serve as a cornerstone for mixed-use developments that respond to the city’s growing housing demand.
Beyond immediate market expansion, analysts highlighted that the acquisition is emblematic of a wider trend of developers securing large land banks in suburban Mumbai. Such moves are not only driven by rising housing demand but also by a shift in urban planning that increasingly emphasises sustainability, green living, and equitable access. Experts noted that Bhandup’s potential lies not just in traditional residential towers but in integrated projects that include open spaces, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient designs. For Arkade Developers, the acquisition aligns with a strategy of future-proofing projects against the backdrop of an evolving regulatory and consumer landscape. With rising awareness around zero net carbon cities and eco-friendly living, developers across MMR are under pressure to adapt construction practices that align with sustainable city goals. Industry observers believe that Arkade’s next wave of projects could be designed to meet these aspirations, positioning the company favourably among homebuyers who increasingly prioritise green features.
The transaction comes at a time when investor confidence in Mumbai’s property market is regaining strength. Suburban hubs like Bhandup, Mulund, and Kanjurmarg are witnessing heightened demand, not only from end-users but also from long-term institutional investors. Officials emphasised that this acquisition represents both a financial investment and a statement of confidence in the city’s long-term real estate trajectory. With this land purchase, Arkade Developers is expected to integrate the parcel into its upcoming projects, reinforcing its role as a significant player shaping Mumbai’s real estate expansion.
Arkade Developers Acquires Bhandup Land For Rs 148 Crore To Boost Mumbai Growth
Hitachi Energy India To Invest Rs 300 Crore Expanding Mysuru Insulation Facility
Hitachi Energy India is set to make a fresh investment of ₹300 crore to expand its insulation and components manufacturing facility in Mysuru, Karnataka. The project, which aims to double the site’s production capacity, will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s power grid infrastructure and accelerating the country’s renewable energy transition.
The Mysuru facility is a critical manufacturing base for insulation products such as extra high-voltage (EHV) pressboard and laminated board, essential for transformers used in electricity transmission and distribution. By enhancing this capacity, the company is not only addressing India’s growing demand for power system components but also positioning itself as a key global supplier. Officials confirmed that markets across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa will benefit from this expansion, making Mysuru a hub for international exports. What makes this investment particularly significant is its sustainability dimension. The company will replace the existing fossil-fuel boiler at the Mysuru facility with an advanced, sustainable alternative. Once implemented, this upgrade will transform the site into the world’s first ultra-low carbon pressboard manufacturing plant. Experts highlighted that this step aligns with global commitments to reduce industrial carbon emissions while setting new benchmarks for cleaner manufacturing in India.
The ₹300 crore expansion is part of a larger ₹2,000 crore investment roadmap that Hitachi Energy has earmarked for India over the next four to five years. Industry experts noted that this roadmap reflects the company’s confidence in India’s role as a rising clean energy hub. With rapid urbanisation, rising electricity demand, and ambitious renewable energy targets, India requires robust and reliable grid infrastructure, and this investment addresses that very need. Officials emphasised that the expansion will bolster domestic supply chains for critical transformer materials, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance the reliability of local electricity transmission networks. As the world moves towards greater renewable energy integration, transformers will be indispensable in connecting clean power sources like solar and wind to national grids. By localising production of insulation materials, Hitachi Energy India is ensuring that the country has the backbone to manage this energy transition smoothly.
The upgraded Mysuru facility is scheduled to be operational by mid-2027. Apart from serving India’s domestic requirements, it will supply key components to international markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, South Korea, and South Africa. Analysts point out that this dual focus on domestic and export markets will reinforce India’s position in the global supply chain for power sector technologies. Hitachi Energy’s move is also expected to generate positive socio-economic outcomes for the region. Industry watchers anticipate new employment opportunities, skill development initiatives, and a stronger ecosystem of allied industries around Mysuru. More importantly, the focus on sustainability positions this project as an example of how industrial expansion and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
With this investment, Hitachi Energy India is not just expanding capacity; it is reinforcing India’s role in shaping the future of sustainable power systems worldwide.
Hitachi Energy India To Invest Rs 300 Crore Expanding Mysuru Insulation Facility
Asian Paints WoodTech And Muse Lab Showcase Sustainable Innovation In Modern Wood Design
Asian Paints WoodTech has partnered with design practice Muse Lab to spotlight the role of wood as both a functional material and a medium of cultural expression. Through the digital series Into the Grain, the collaboration highlights how contemporary design can merge sustainability, craftsmanship, and aesthetics to redefine modern living spaces in India.
The latest episode of the series journeys to Kandla in Gujarat, where Muse Lab’s 20,000-square-foot residential project “Neemaya” presents a bold reinterpretation of Mediterranean influences through the warmth and versatility of wood. The showcase is more than a visual narrative—it is a study of how architectural design can balance environmental consciousness with luxury and durability. At the heart of the project lies Asian Paints WoodTech’s Emporio finishes, including Emporio Gold and Emporio Palette, which bring Italian precision to Indian conditions. These coatings not only enhance the natural grain of wood but are engineered to withstand diverse climatic challenges. By enabling longevity and resilience, the finishes help preserve wood as a sustainable design choice without compromising its elegance.
Experts associated with the initiative noted that the series is not about promoting wood merely as a material, but about celebrating its ability to connect culture, tradition, and innovation. Wood becomes a living element within spaces, shaping how people experience and interact with their environments. Neemaya demonstrates this through shaded courtyards, arched colonnades, and finely detailed furniture, all unified by a philosophy of restraint and contextual sensitivity. Beyond aesthetics, the collaboration underscores the importance of sustainable construction practices in India’s fast-growing urban landscape. With rising concerns over carbon emissions and resource depletion, the choice of durable finishes and responsibly integrated materials such as wood reflects a broader industry shift towards eco-conscious design.
Officials from Asian Paints highlighted that the project reflects the company’s broader commitment to sustainable innovation. By merging global technology with Indian sensibilities, the brand aims to elevate wood from a structural element into a symbol of timeless design. The partnership with Muse Lab exemplifies how architectural spaces can tell stories rooted in materiality while responding to the needs of modern society. The episode also positions wood as a future-ready material in India’s design ecosystem. As urban housing expands, the demand for materials that balance sustainability with aspirational living is rising. Projects like Neemaya showcase how wood can adapt to this demand, offering solutions that are durable, energy-efficient, and emotionally resonant.
The narrative of Into the Grain makes a compelling case for a renewed appreciation of wood in Indian architecture. By combining advanced finishes with visionary design, Asian Paints WoodTech and Muse Lab have opened a conversation on how material choices can transform not just buildings, but the lives and experiences of those who inhabit them.
Asian Paints WoodTech And Muse Lab Showcase Sustainable Innovation In Modern Wood Design
K Raheja To Transform Iconic Mumbai Famous Studios Through Rs 650 Crore Redevelopment
Realty major K Raheja Corp is moving ahead with plans to redevelop the iconic Famous Studios in South Mumbai through a joint development agreement estimated at ₹650 crore, signalling both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the city’s built environment.
The 1.5-acre plot, located on Dr E Moses Road with a commanding view of Mahalaxmi Racecourse, has long been a landmark in the country’s entertainment industry. Established in the mid-20th century, Famous Studios hosted generations of film-makers, advertisers, and production houses. It became a cultural node, housing sound stages, post-production facilities and even event spaces. Yet, with central Mumbai’s land values soaring and the demand for large film studios declining, redevelopment has increasingly appeared inevitable. Officials associated with the deal confirmed that the project will be structured as a joint development pact, ensuring that the owners receive a share of the redeveloped space. According to urban development experts, the site carries a development potential of around 400,000 sq. ft under existing planning regulations, though the final scale will depend on municipal approvals.
This is not the first attempt to repurpose the property. More than a decade ago, another developer had entered into an agreement with the owners, but that transaction collapsed amid challenges over leasehold conversion and relocation of tenants. The new agreement, however, comes at a time when Mumbai’s real estate sector is witnessing renewed momentum, particularly in mixed-use luxury projects and commercial developments. Experts tracking the transaction point out that the deal reflects a broader trend sweeping across Indian metros, where developers are aggressively acquiring prime land parcels through joint ventures and redevelopment pacts. Limited availability of land in central business districts has turned such legacy properties into valuable opportunities. With demand rising in both the residential and commercial segments, particularly in South Mumbai, this project is expected to draw significant interest once construction begins.
For Mumbai, the redevelopment raises larger questions about the balance between preserving cultural landmarks and unlocking land value for future growth. While Famous Studios has been an institution for India’s creative economy, its conversion into premium real estate underscores the city’s shifting priorities as land scarcity, population growth and investment demand reshape the urban fabric. Industry observers note that K Raheja Corp, with its track record of delivering high-value office and residential projects, is well-positioned to transform the site into a development aligned with Mumbai’s evolving skyline. Whether the new project will incorporate cultural or creative spaces remains to be seen, but its strategic location and scale suggest it could emerge as a signature address in South Mumbai.
As the city continues to reconcile its heritage with modern growth, the redevelopment of Famous Studios stands as a powerful example of how Mumbai’s landscape is constantly being reimagined.
K Raheja To Transform Iconic Mumbai Famous Studios Through Rs 650 Crore Redevelopment
Hafele Launches Innovative Design Studio In Ahmedabad Strengthening Brand Footprint And Presence
