CREDAI Bengaluru President Advocates for Mumbai Model Redevelopment

Zayd Noaman, president of CREDAI Bengaluru, advocates for a redevelopment framework that aligns with the city’s modern needs while offering a sustainable solution to land acquisition and infrastructure constraints.

In a recent interaction with local media, Noaman underscored that a shift towards redevelopment could provide much-needed relief for the city’s residential and commercial development sectors. “If Mumbai can successfully implement redevelopment, there’s no reason Bengaluru can’t follow suit,” Noaman stated, reflecting on the success of Mumbai’s real estate overhaul that has rejuvenated older buildings and unlocked valuable urban space.

As land prices in the city continue to climb, particularly in central Bengaluru, developers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure plots for new projects. The shortage of available land is driving a shift in focus, with many stakeholders looking to redevelopment as a feasible alternative. According to Noaman, Bengaluru’s ageing infrastructure, with several buildings aged between 30 to 50 years, presents an opportunity to undertake redevelopment that will serve both the economic and social needs of the city. While the process is undeniably complex and requires significant effort to gain public support and legislative backing, Noaman remains optimistic about its potential. “It will take time, as we must work through legalities, but the future looks promising,” he said. He highlighted that redevelopment, similar to Mumbai, could benefit developers, residents, and even the government, generating both new revenue streams and much-needed housing.

The challenges of acquiring land in central Bengaluru have already shifted the focus to developing the city’s peripheries. Noaman pointed out that the shortage of land within the city’s core means that residential projects in central locations must be of exceptional quality to justify the high sale or rental prices. However, the situation presents a broader opportunity to look towards redevelopment, especially for buildings that are currently underutilised or unsafe. “We cannot afford to miss this opportunity,” Noaman emphasised. “This is a moment for Bengaluru to unlock its full potential and ensure that development aligns with both sustainability and livability.” He argued that with careful planning, redevelopment can inject fresh life into older structures, thus creating space for the growing population without compromising on quality of life.

While central Bengaluru remains at the heart of real estate activity, areas on the outskirts are becoming more attractive for large-scale development. The key to unlocking this potential, however, lies in infrastructure improvements. With a need for better metro and road connectivity, urban planners are increasingly turning their focus to outer zones, which offer abundant space for residential and commercial expansion. In line with the city’s broader goals of improving sustainability, CREDAI Bengaluru is also pushing for the integration of green infrastructure. Noaman pointed out the importance of enhancing water usage efficiency in new developments. The organisation is in discussions with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to introduce measures such as digital water meters in every apartment, enabling residents to track their consumption.

Further, the CREDAI president stressed the importance of flood-resilient urban planning. He explained that developments must respect buffer zones and maintain stormwater drains to mitigate the risk of floods, a growing concern in the city. Notably, developers such as Prestige are already working on upgrading the city’s nalas to enhance water flow and reduce flood risk, setting an example for other stakeholders to follow. For Noaman, the road to sustainable growth lies not only in smart redevelopment but also in the modernisation of the city’s land records and administrative processes. CREDAI Bengaluru is working closely with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to improve the efficiency of the e-khata system, a digital platform for property ownership and land records. The aim is to simplify title verification, land mutation procedures, and the registration process, enabling faster and more transparent property transactions.

“It’s essential to streamline processes like e-Khata and RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops) for bulk applications from developers,” Noaman noted. He stressed that by digitising these records, Bengaluru can achieve greater transparency and ease of access, which is crucial for future growth. Although the introduction of these digital tools is a challenging undertaking, Noaman assured that progress is being made, with the e-khata system seeing steady improvements. By modernising urban processes, Bengaluru can ensure that its real estate sector evolves in a sustainable, transparent, and equitable manner.

Bengaluru’s future, according to Noaman, hinges not only on the adoption of innovative solutions but also on an unwavering commitment to sustainability. The president of CREDAI Bengaluru underlined that the city must focus on developing infrastructure that supports the growth of both its residential and commercial sectors while keeping environmental impact in mind. This includes adopting green building practices, increasing public transport connectivity, and fostering inclusivity across all communities. While Bengaluru’s path to sustainable growth may be complex, the city’s leaders are optimistic about the future. With strategic redevelopment efforts and careful planning, Bengaluru can overcome its land challenges and emerge as a model for sustainable, inclusive urban development in India.

As CREDAI Bengaluru continues to work with the state government and other stakeholders, the hope is that the city can take a leaf out of Mumbai’s redevelopment playbook and turn its urban challenges into an opportunity for long-term growth and prosperity.

CREDAI Bengaluru President Advocates for Mumbai Model Redevelopment