The Maharashtra government has approved an allocation of INR 290 crore to expand Kolhapur Airport. The funds will be used to acquire about 30.25 hectares of land � both to extend the runway and to divert the Kolhapur-Hupari state highway. A portion of the funding is earmarked for rehabilitating a nearby residential colony. The runway is planned to be extended from its current length to 2,300 metres, with a long-term goal of reaching 3,000 metres, enabling the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.Read more

Earlier this week, the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) reclaimed 11 commercial shops adjacent to the historic Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha. This action is part of a broader redevelopment initiative aimed at restoring the auditorium, which suffered fire damage in August 2024. Final notices were issued to 14 tenants under Section 81(B)(1) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, resulting in 11 vacating voluntarily, while legal proceedings continue with the remaining three. The state government has sanctioned INR 25 crore for the restoration, with the third phase of tenders worth INR 11.77 crore recently released.Read more

The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) recovered INR 19 crore in property taxes through an 80% fine concession scheme that benefited 12,000 residents. The initiative, aimed at clearing overdue payments, granted INR 11.83 crore in concessions and helped KMC move toward its INR 101 crore annual tax collection target. Similar schemes in Pune and Bengaluru have boosted municipal revenues, highlighting their effectiveness in improving tax compliance. With urbanization rising, municipalities are focusing on digital platforms to streamline payments, ensuring long-term revenue growth for essential civic projects.Read more

Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) sealed 24 flats in Sankalpsiddhi Apartment, Krantisinh Nana Patil Nagar, over long-standing property tax arrears of INR 40,000-INR 50,000 per flat. This marks the first large-scale sealing of flats, primarily vacant investments, as owners failed to comply despite notices and a 50% penal interest concession. KMC's campaign targets chronic tax evasion to enhance municipal revenue and services, with officials warning of further legal actions for non-compliance. The initiative underscores the need for timely payments to support city development and ensure equitable contribution from all property owners.Read more

The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) has introduced a relief measure for property tax defaulters by offering a 30-50% waiver on fines for the current and previous years. Civic chief K Manjulekshmi announced the waiver, with a 50% reduction for payments before February 15, gradually decreasing to 30% until March 15. The civic body imposed a 2% monthly fine on defaulters, who collectively owe around INR 100 crore. The initiative aims to boost compliance. Failure to make the overdue payments would lead to property seals and restrictions on property transactions and loans. Last year, a similar scheme had significantly increased revenue collection.Read more

The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced plans to provide new 270 sq ft homes at the same location for the families of Kamgar Chal, following the issuance of relocation notices due to the dilapidated condition of five buildings. While promising swift construction, the KMC has called for temporary evacuation and discontinued utilities from August 1. Some residents have voiced concerns over the plans and potential commercial exploitation of the vacated land, seeking reassurances that they will not be moved to the outskirts of the city.Read more

The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) faces the challenging task of revising property taxes to increase revenue. To expedite the process, the civic administration has formed teams of employees to conduct a property survey of 1.35 lakh properties. The involvement of civic employees from the property tax department ensures transparency, but the inclusion of employees from other departments raises concerns about expertise in property assessment. To prevent corruption and ensure fairness, the KMC plans to have a senior official independently review the survey process.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has expanded its presence in Maharashtra with the introduction of a new Ginger hotel in Kolhapur. The addition of this hotel reflects IHCL's commitment to providing quality accommodation options across India. The Ginger hotel in Kolhapur will feature 70 well-appointed rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a meeting room, and a fitness centre. With its strategic focus on emerging markets, IHCL aims to tap into the growing demand for affordable accommodation in tier-II and tier-III cities. The presence of IHCL in Kolhapur will contribute to the local economy and enhance the city's reputation as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers.Read more