Major Indian cities are facing growing aviation safety risks due to a surge in illegal high-rises that breach height regulations near airports. In Kolkata, over 50 such buildings have been flagged for endangering aircraft during take-offs and landings. Similar concerns plague Nagpur, where 60 non-compliant structures await action despite 500 notices issued as far back as 2017. The situation is even more alarming in Lucknow, where an AAI survey identified over 600 buildings violating height norms within a 10-km radius. These widespread breaches expose gaps in real-time NOC verification, poor coordination between civic bodies and airport authorities, and weak regulatory enforcement.Read more

Cube Highways Trust has finalised the acquisition of two strategic highway assets in Jammu and Kashmir Quazigund Expressway Pvt Ltd and Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Pvt Ltd from the National Infrastructure Investment Fund. The deal, valued at INR 4,185 crore, spans approximately 80 kilometres and includes assets with over six years of remaining concession life. These highways offer assured semi-annual annuity payments from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), reducing exposure to traffic-linked risks. The Trust anticipates an accretive impact on its distributable cash flows of INR 2.3 per unit annually.Read more

Goa's cabinet has approved a comprehensive Heritage Policy designed to safeguard and celebrate the state's cultural, historical and natural treasures. The new framework sets clear rules for maintenance, restoration and promotion across 14 priority areas, covering everything from ancient monuments and churches to festivals, crafts and oral traditions. Key measures include unifying scattered heritage laws, bringing private heritage bungalows into conservation and tourism plans, and aligning Goa&'s efforts with global best practices. The policy promises financial and technical support, plus awards for private owners, and launches a digital documentation programme to record and share heritage assets worldwide, securing them for future generations.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh government is moving to repeal the NALA Act (2006), which regulates converting agricultural land for non-agricultural use. This major shift aims to simplify and speed up the process by allowing automatic land conversion upon tax payment-removing the need for repeated visits to government offices. The decision follows widespread complaints from citizens and developers about the existing system's complexity. Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu announced the move during a recent collectors' conference, with officials now preparing guidelines for a smooth transition. The repeal is expected to ease development, reduce red tape, and encourage investment across urban and industrial sectors.Read more

Madhya Pradesh authorities have ramped up anti-encroachment drives, pulling down illegal structures to reclaim public land in key cities. In Khandwa, crews demolished around 100 unauthorized houses built near Shakkar pond after four months of notices; only homes protected by court stay orders were spared. In Ujjain, officials targeted the Begum Bagh area close to the Mahakaleshwar temple, razing seven buildings whose leases had been cancelled by the Ujjain Development Authority for violations. Such crackdowns are common across India, aimed at freeing land for planned development, easing pressure on civic infrastructure and addressing safety and legal concerns. The push shows resolve to enforce zoning laws and return assets to citizens.Read more

Uttar Pradesh is fast emerging as a preferred destination for commercial offices and industrial units, thanks to competitive incentives, policy clarity, and a robust business ecosystem. During a recent seminar hosted by Invest UP, top government officials highlighted the state's proactive investment policies and infrastructure readiness. Key announcements included the proposal for a Noida-like city in Bundelkhand and plans for future Global Capability Centre (GCC) events to attract domestic and global investors. The seminar witnessed participation from tech leaders, policymakers, and multinational investors, reinforcing UP's position on the global investment map.Read more

The central government has issued a new advisory urging states and union territories to integrate Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) into long-term urban governance frameworks. Originally created under the Smart Cities Mission, these entities are now expected to sustain themselves by offering consultancy and services. The advisory highlights that SPVs can manage citywide data analytics and system operations, while ICCCs should serve as permanent urban nerve centres under urban development departments. With over 93% of the 8,000+ mission projects completed and 99.44% of the INR 48,000 crore budget disbursed, the mission has made notable progress. However, the government is now focusing on institutionalising these tools to ensure cities retain and build upon digital and operational advancements. This marks a shift from short-term implementation to long-term sustainability, aiming to equip cities with robust governance mechanisms for future urban challenges.Read more

The Odisha government has notified the 'Odisha Development Authorities (Planning and Building Standards) Second Amendment Rules, 2025,' addressing long-standing challenges around part plot registrations. Key changes include exemptions for family-based sub-divisions from layout approvals and a one-time relief allowing sub-division of plots under 500 sq. m without development authority clearance, provided they aren't for commercial use. Agricultural plots are also exempted from layout rules if land use remains unchanged. The amendment simplifies benchmark value calculations by accepting self-attested valuations downloaded from the Inspector General of Revenue's website. For industrial projects outside urban areas, a minimum road width of 6 metres is now mandatory. Commercial development norms have been relaxed, with ground coverage limits removed and setback exemptions granted for plots up to 4,000 sq. m. The changes aim to streamline approvals, promote planned development, and enhance land use efficiency across the state.Read more

Property owners in Bengaluru can now obtain e-Khata certificates digitally within two working days, thanks to a new initiative by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The fully online process, rolled out across all eight BBMP zones, allows applications via the state's SAKALA portal. Applicants need only submit three documents: sale deed, latest tax-paid receipt, and property sketch. Revenue officers are required to process requests or raise queries within two days, improving accountability. The e-Khata is essential for property validation, tax payments, loans, and transactions. Previously, the process involved lengthy in-person visits and delays. The move particularly benefits owners of properties regularised under the Akrama-Sakrama scheme. By digitising the system, BBMP aims to enhance transparency and ease for property owners, buyers, and developers, fostering greater confidence in municipal services.Read more

The Ayodhya district administration has revised circle rates for the first time in eight years, with property values rising by 30% to 200% across various localities. The sharpest hikes are seen within a 10-km radius of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, where rates have increased over 150%, reflecting growing demand driven by religious tourism and infrastructure projects. Localities like Rakaabganj, Devkali, and Avadh Vihar now rank among the most expensive in the district. The revised rates-ranging from INR 26,600 to INR 27,900 per sq. metre in temple zones-are based on land usage and transaction history. Officials say the update improves transparency and aligns with market trends. The change also affects stamp duty, loan appraisals, and compensation in land acquisition cases. With ongoing developments including roads, hotels, and an international airport, Ayodhya is emerging as a key real estate and pilgrimage hub.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh government has successfully completed 29 significant irrigation projects over the past eight years, enhancing irrigation capacity by more than 19 lakh hectares and directly benefiting over 4.3 million farmers statewide. This large-scale initiative has not only bolstered agricultural productivity but also contributed substantially to flood control and water conservation efforts. Among the completed ventures are seven major projects, including the Bansagar Canal and Lahchura Dam, spanning multiple districts. Additionally, medium and small-scale projects have further expanded irrigation reach, positively impacting tens of thousands of farmers and strengthening the region's agrarian infrastructure.Read more

The Delhi government has announced plans to appoint a concessionaire for the redevelopment and management of the Bhorgarh Industrial Area (Bawana Phase II), alongside establishing project management units (PMUs) for nine additional industrial zones. Building on the success of public-private partnerships (PPP) in Bawana and Narela, this initiative aims to transform Bhorgarh into a model industrial zone characterised by cleanliness, safety, and eco-conscious infrastructure. The comprehensive redevelopment will include smart lighting, CCTV surveillance, pothole-free roads, and stormwater drainage. Further emphasising sustainability, the Delhi State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) is set to plant 85,000 green units during the 2025-26 period to foster a greener industrial environment.Read more

Planning a new land bank devoted to affordable residential projects is a major step taken by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority to meet the rising demand for housing. This initiative follows the success of earlier housing schemes and responds to increasing population pressures and displacement caused by encroachment drives. Alongside approving a substantial budget for the next fiscal year, the MDDA is also promoting industrial growth through land pooling to attract IT companies. This integrated approach seeks to balance urban development with economic expansion, ensuring sustainable growth in the region.Read more

The Punjab Cabinet has approved a new Land Pooling Policy aimed at facilitating urban development without forcibly acquiring land. Announced by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, the policy gives landowners three choices: transfer land to the government, partner with private developers, or undertake development themselves. The first phase will launch in 27 major cities across Punjab. Under the scheme, landowners surrendering one acre will receive a developed 1,000-square-yard residential plot and a 200-square-yard commercial plot. Those contributing nine acres can reclaim three acres for group housing projects. The policy, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is positioned as a transparent, fair approach to land use planning. The government aims to counter opposition criticism by ensuring clear communication and effective implementation.Read more

The Karnataka High Court has annulled a land acquisition process initiated by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in 2001 for a residential project in North Bengaluru. The court ruled that the BDA's failure to complete the acquisition within the mandated timeframe invalidated the entire process. Landowners had petitioned against the prolonged delays and lack of procedural compliance. Legal experts see this as a landmark judgment affirming landowners' rights and urging authorities to follow due process in acquisitions. The BDA, a key player in Bengaluru's urban development, has often faced disputes over delayed compensation and acquisitions. This ruling highlights the need for transparency and timeliness in land acquisition, setting a vital precedent as Bengaluru's urban expansion continues. It reinforces that development must respect legal safeguards and ensure fair treatment of landowners.Read more

The Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board (MPHIDB) has launched construction on a major residential redevelopment at Indore's former Hukumchand Mill site. The 7-hectare land, dormant since the mill's closure in 1992, will now host eco-friendly residential complexes, commercial spaces, and green areas. The project follows the state government's INR 464 crore compensation settlement for mill employees, resolving a 30-year labour dispute. An architect has been appointed to lead design and planning, with sustainability features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and dedicated ground-floor parking included. The redevelopment aligns with Indore's urban renewal vision. Concurrently, MPHIDB will re-densify the ageing MIG Colony and nearby shopping complex, integrating institutions like Shri Vaishnav Polytechnic College. These initiatives reflect Indore's focus on modern, sustainable city planning and the transformation of legacy industrial land into vibrant residential hubs.Read more

In a decisive move to alleviate traffic congestion and advance urban infrastructure, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) initiated the eviction of over ten commercial establishments encroaching upon Dr. Rajendraprasad Road adjacent to the Sanganoor Canal. This action is part of a long-delayed road widening project aimed at expanding the thoroughfare to 100 feet, thereby improving connectivity between Sathyamangalam Road and Avinashi Road. While commercial evictions are underway, residential structures are slated for removal only after alternative housing is secured through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board. The broader initiative includes a proposed INR 235 crore second phase to rejuvenate the canal and enhance urban mobility.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has made a significant stride into luxury wildlife hospitality by signing agreements for three upscale lodges in South Africa's Balule Game Reserve, part of the renowned Kruger National Park. The properties include the 30-key Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp and two intimate six-key lodges: Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge and Taj Lion Kings River Lodge. This expansion under the iconic Taj brand underscores IHCL's commitment to responsible tourism, aiming to provide guests with an immersive, authentic nature experience. Partnering with OM USA LLC further supports IHCL's vision of combining luxury with ecological sensitivity in a globally acclaimed wildlife destination.Read more

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is advancing its efforts to extend the Dr. K. Shivaram Karanth Layout by acquiring an additional 3,000 acres across 18 villages in Yelahanka and Bengaluru North taluks. This move aims to satisfy the rising demand for residential plots in northern Bengaluru. While the current phase with around 30,000 plots is approaching completion, the BDA has set a three-month deadline to finalise outstanding infrastructure work. The expansion strategically aligns with the proposed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), which will significantly enhance connectivity and accessibility. Nonetheless, land acquisition challenges and compensation disputes remain critical issues that the BDA must address.Read more

The Telangana government is set to launch a land survey in 413 villages lacking formal maps and sethwars, foundational land record documents. This initiative precedes the Bhu Bharati Act's statewide land survey. Some villages, like Laxmapur in Medchal Malkajgiri, have no records at all. A pilot survey will first be conducted in five villages across different districts. Using drone-based aerial surveys and ground truthing, geo-referenced cadastral maps and updated ownership records will be created. Survey firms like RV Associates and Drogo Drones are involved. The pilot will conclude in two to three months, with full-scale implementation and financing explored thereafter.Read more