Mumbai Developers Meet BMC Officials To Discuss Bottlenecks And Payment Reforms

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to address systemic bottlenecks affecting the property sector. Representatives from industry bodies including CREDAI-MCHI, NAREDCO, BDA, and PEATA met municipal officials to collectively chart a roadmap aimed at streamlining regulatory processes and enhancing sectoral sustainability.

The meeting, chaired by the deputy chief engineer in the commissioner’s office, marks the formation of a dedicated steering committee. Officials confirmed that the committee will include BMC department representatives and meet fortnightly to monitor, implement, and review key industry recommendations. The municipal commissioner will personally attend monthly sessions, signalling a move towards greater transparency and structured industry engagement. A central proposal discussed was the rationalisation of premium payments through a 10:10:80 structure. Under this model, developers would pay 10% of applicable premiums at project approval, another 10% at the Commencement Certificate (CC) stage, and the remaining 80% upon receipt of the Occupation Certificate (OC). Currently, developers bear a heavy upfront financial load due to multiple levies such as fungible FSI, open space deficiency charges, fire service fees, scrutiny fees, and development cess. These are often demanded before any revenue is generated, straining cash flows and slowing project execution.

Industry experts emphasised that aligning premium payments with actual project progress would make urban development more financially viable without impacting civic revenues. Officials explained that the model is designed to balance developer sustainability with municipal fiscal requirements, ensuring revenue neutrality. The committee is also tasked with recommending broader policy measures under the proposed Ease of Doing Business 2 (EODB 2) initiative. Plans include leveraging AI-based systems in plan approvals to reduce subjectivity, accelerate clearances, and enhance transparency. Officials believe that this approach could reduce bureaucratic delays while promoting sustainable urban development in a rapidly expanding city.

“The real estate sector is a key growth driver for Mumbai,” said a senior official. “Regular structured engagement with developers will unlock investment potential, improve project timelines, and ensure alignment with city sustainability goals.” Analysts note that such a collaborative model is unprecedented in Mumbai’s civic administration, reflecting a shift towards proactive governance that balances economic growth, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. By institutionalising dialogue between authorities and developers, the city aims to achieve more predictable planning approvals and foster a resilient urban housing ecosystem.

The formation of this committee and adoption of the proposed 10:10:80 premium payment schedule represent strategic steps to modernise Mumbai’s property sector while maintaining equitable fiscal practices. The outcome of these discussions is likely to influence real estate development efficiency, investment confidence, and long-term urban sustainability in the city.

Mumbai Developers Meet BMC Officials To Discuss Bottlenecks And Payment Reforms