The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) buildings department sanctioned four building plans for small plots ranging from 450 to 1,500 square feet in Garia and nearby areas off EM Bypass earlier this week. Prior to this, two small plots in the Kasba-Garfa belt and Patuli had also received approval. In an effort to curb unauthorised constructions, KMC has introduced amendments to existing building regulations, encouraging small plot owners to submit plans for approval. The relaxations will be applicable to plots between 350 and 2,100 square feet, provided the owners engage an architect or structural engineer for compliance. The initiative, which includes colony and thika land, may be expanded based on public response.Read more

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 200 million loan for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sustainability, Hygiene, and Resilience Project to modernize sewerage and drainage infrastructure in the city. The project aims to address urban flooding, outdated drainage systems, and climate resilience by constructing 84 km of trunk and secondary pipelines, 176 km of lateral pipelines, one sewage treatment plant, and five pumping stations. Over 277,000 residents will benefit, particularly in vulnerable communities. This initiative aligns with broader climate-resilience efforts, including World Bank-funded flood mitigation in Mumbai and a EUR 100 million AFD-backed stormwater drainage upgrade in Chennai. As Indian cities increasingly seek international funding for climate adaptation, Kolkata's project could serve as a model for urban infrastructure resilience across South Asia.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has demolished 150 unauthorized buildings over the past year and issued 5,000 stop-work notices to developers violating building norms. Additionally, 500 FIRs have been filed against those continuing construction despite warnings. The crackdown, targeting high-risk areas like Rajarhat, Garia, and Behala, aims to improve urban safety and prevent structural failures. Opposition leaders have raised concerns over homebuyers unknowingly purchasing illegal flats, calling for stricter approval processes. With demand for RERA-compliant housing up 30%, KMC plans to introduce an online portal for property verification, ensuring safer, legally approved real estate development in Kolkata.Read more

The Bengal Silicon Valley IT Hub in New Town, originally a 100-acre project, has doubled to 200 acres due to high demand from IT firms. 38 companies have received Letters of Intent, with nine already under construction. Major investors include Reliance, Airtel Nxtra, ST Telemedia, and NTT, alongside Infosys, which secured 50 acres. The project aims to generate 75,000 jobs, strengthening Kolkata's IT sector. With 91.8% occupancy across Bengal's 22 IT parks, the state is boosting infrastructure and connectivity to support continued growth, solidifying its position as an emerging tech hub.Read more

The Kamarhati Municipality has ordered the demolition of 57 unauthorized buildings in Belgharia-Kamarhati after safety inspections revealed structural risks. FIRs have been filed against 17 builders for violating construction laws, while authorities identified multiple tilting buildings in areas like Sasthitala, MacKenzie Road, and Ariadaha. The crackdown follows the near-collapse of a structure in Baghajatin, raising public safety concerns. Residents demand rehabilitation, criticizing officials for inaction against promoters. The municipality is exploring resettlement options, but enforcement measures are expected to tighten to prevent future illegal constructions in the area.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has approved a rare building plan for a 410 sq ft plot, relaxing its usual minimum requirement of 720 sq ft. This decision, made during a mayor-in-council meeting, aims to prevent unauthorised construction on small plots. The move follows an appeal from a landowner on Middle Road, with similar cases pending across multiple wards. To regulate small-plot construction, the KMC is considering a broader policy change, initially covering colony and thika land. The proposed amendment will allow construction on plots between 350 sq ft and 2,100 sq ft, provided owners hire professionals and adhere to safety norms.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is working on a proposal to help owners of small plots by easing building regulations. The aim is to encourage legal construction and prevent illegal buildings, many of which have raised safety concerns. Under the new plan, owners of plots between 350 sq ft and 2,100 sq ft will be able to construct homes without a sanctioned plan, provided they submit a detailed design from an architect or engineer. The initiative is targeted at certain areas initially and may expand depending on public response.Read more

Kolkata's urban development department has issued new guidelines to address the issue of tilting buildings in areas like Salt Lake and New Town. Building owners must submit detailed proposals, including soil test reports and lifting mechanisms, to their local civic body for review. Structural engineers and licensed agencies will oversee the process to ensure safety compliance. The guidelines emphasize soil stability assessments and professional supervision to mitigate risks. Residents are encouraged to report signs of tilting to local authorities promptly. These measures aim to enhance urban safety, protect structural integrity, and create a safer living environment in Kolkata.Read more

The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has initiated property tax collection and mutation camps at residential complexes, aiming to boost compliance and revenue before the financial year ends in March. These on-site camps offer a hassle-free way for residents to update property records and pay taxes without visiting government offices. NKDA officials are providing guidance on documentation and tax processes, encouraging apartment owners to participate. With a growing population, the initiative aims to streamline tax collection, ensure accurate property records, and support the sustainable development of New Town.Read more

A four-storey illegal residential building, Subho Apartment, in Baghajatin Vidyasagar Colony, South Kolkata, collapsed onto a neighbouring one-storey house earlier this week while being lifted to correct its tilt. The building had started tilting four years ago due to soil and foundation failure, and efforts to realign it using hydraulic pressure caused it to collapse. Fortunately, no one was inside when the building fell as all residents had evacuated the previous month. An investigation revealed that the building had been constructed without proper approval, and an FIR was filed against the building owners and the company involved in the lifting work. The incident left at least six families homeless.Read more

A state-owned BSNL property spanning 780 cottahs in Kolkata is set to become one of the city's largest real estate transactions, valued at INR 1,900 crore. Located at a prime intersection near AJC Bose Road, the site includes a heritage building and offers potential for mixed-use development. While the National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) has initiated the sale process, industry experts foresee challenges such as Army permissions, height restrictions, and limited demand for luxury apartments. Nonetheless, this development is viewed as a significant opportunity to unlock underutilised land in the heart of the city.Read more

The government has initiated the process to monetise Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited's (BSNL) heritage telecom factory in Kolkata, marking the third attempt to monetise the organisation's properties. Located opposite the Kolkata Race Course, the freehold property includes a heritage building constructed in 1947, with a total area of 52,178 square metres. While previous efforts to monetise BSNL properties in Barrackpore and Madhyamgram were unsuccessful due to a lack of bidders, the Alipore factory's unique heritage aspect is expected to attract interest. BSNL plans to shift the current operations to its larger Kharagpur unit.Read more

In response to rising complaints about incomplete housing projects, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has introduced stricter regulations to hold real estate developers accountable. Developers must now sign an undertaking to apply for an occupancy certificate (OC) post-construction. Mayor Firhad Hakim warned of penalties, including water supply disconnection, for non-compliance. Inspectors will verify project adherence within three days of completion, issuing certificates within 45 days if standards are met. This initiative aims to protect homebuyers from developers abandoning projects without proper certifications, a persistent issue in areas like Garden Reach and Tollygunge. The KMC's measures signal a robust push for transparency and buyer protection.Read more

Kolkata Metro authorities have proposed a 1.6 km extension of the Joka-Esplanade Purple Line to include a new station at Eden Gardens. Submitted to the Railway Board for approval, the extension will directly connect the stadium area to the metro network, benefiting cricket and football fans, commuters to Strand Road, Babughat, and BBD Bag. This addition replaces plans for a long subway, offering faster access and reducing congestion. With the metro currently serving 750,000 daily passengers, this project promises enhanced connectivity and environmental benefits, including preserving trees near Strand Road. Eden Gardens station is poised to become a vital transport hub.Read more

The New Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has identified over 1,000 residential buildings in New Town suspected of exceeding space limits or misusing areas for commercial activities without permission. Complaints from local residents, including noise disturbances from late-night events, have prompted the authorities to act. The NKDA plans to conduct surveys to compile a list of such buildings, followed by penalties for property owners. According to regulations, 40% of the floor area can be used commercially, but without proper clearance, property owners could face legal action.Read more

The Calcutta High Court ruled that tenants of private land acquired for the Joka-BBD Bag Metro corridor are entitled to compensation, even if landowners have already been paid. Justice Aniruddha Roy emphasized tenants' rights under Section 9 of the 1978 Act, which includes "any person interested in the land." The ruling stemmed from a land acquisition dispute near the Nepalese Consulate in Kolkata. The court upheld the acquisition, citing the public importance of the metro project while ensuring "just and appropriate compensation" for tenants. This decision reinforces tenant rights and highlights the complexities of balancing public infrastructure needs with legal entitlements.Read more

Infosys, India's second-largest IT services company, recently inaugurated a cutting-edge development centre in New Town, Kolkata. Built at a cost exceeding INR 426 crore, the 320,000 sq ft facility accommodates over 4,000 employees under a hybrid working model. The centre focuses on innovative technologies such as cloud, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, serving sectors like logistics, manufacturing, and energy. Aligned with Infosys' ESG goals, the facility boasts green building features and flexible workspaces. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted its significance in boosting employment and IT growth, alongside other ambitious projects in the state.Read more

Vidhi Sangoi

The Kolkata Metro, India's first urban rapid transit system, has been a cornerstone of urban mobility since its launch in 1984. Spanning 59.38 km across four operational lines, the system connects key areas of Kolkata and its suburbs, offering eco-friendly and time-efficient transportation. Landmark projects include the North-South Corridor (31.4 km) and the East-West Corridor (16.6 km), the latter featuring India's first underwater metro tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. With ongoing expansions like the Joka-Esplanade and New Garia-Airport corridors, the network aims to cover over 120 km.Read more

PNT Reporter

Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has completed essential groundwork for the underground tunnels of the Orange Line Metro along VIP Road, extending over 72m. As the project moves into a critical phase near the airport, the agency has requested changes to the existing traffic block to allow for smoother traffic movement. A five-day traffic trial is expected soon, aiming to assess the impact of the adjustments. The final leg of the project, which involves a mix of elevated and underground sections, is being carried out in phases to avoid disruptions to VIP Road, a vital link between the city and the airport.Read more

PNT Reporter

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) East Zone bench in Kolkata has issued notices to several state authorities regarding the alleged encroachment on 18 acres of the Luna riverbed at Badapal, Kendrapada district. The notices were prompted by a petition filed by local activist Alaya Samantaray, alleging that a Jharkhand-based company engaged in the National Highway-53 expansion project had carried out unauthorised construction on the riverbed. The petition highlights concerns over the threat posed to the river's ecosystem and its natural flow. The NGT has directed key officials to respond within four weeks.Read more