The estimated construction cost of the bridge project connecting Mumbai and Mira Bhayandar has significantly increased to Rs 3,303 crore from its initial estimate of Rs 1,998 crore in just three years. This escalation has raised concerns among activists and politicians, questioning why the entire financial burden should be borne by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). BMC's civic chief has proposed a cost-sharing arrangement with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to divide the expenses based on jurisdiction. However, a final decision is pending as the MMRDA awaits a response from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The increased cost includes factors like maintenance, taxes, and rent for a casting yard.Read more

LinkedIn Technology Information Private Limited has secured a 17,794-square-foot office space in Mumbai's BKC for a monthly rent of Rs 1 crore. The five-year lease agreement, commencing in August 2024, encompasses six units from different property owners, with an annual rent escalation of around 4.5 percent. The security deposit for this strategic move amounts to Rs 10 crore, and both landlords and LinkedIn are committed to the lease for specific durations. BKC has recently witnessed significant real estate deals, with Apple and Bank of China securing notable spaces this year.Read more

There is never a dull moment in Mumbai’s real estate market landscape. Prop News Times brings you some of the most exciting deals real estate deals across the Mumbai Metropolitain Region this week: A 1,091 square foot residential flat located on the 34th floor of Oberoi Eternia in Mulund was sold for a sum of Rs 3.5 crores, at an approximate rate per square foot of Rs 32,000/-, in New Panvel, A 784 square foot residential apartment located on the 5th floor of National Harmony building sold for Rs 95 lacs, at an approximate rate per square foot of Rs 12,000/- and a 1,112 square foot residential apartment located on the 6th floor of Atul Wallace Fortuna, Mazgaon in Mumbai city was sold for Rs 3.25 crores, at an approximate rate per square foot of Rs 29,000/-Read more

Mumbai has experienced a remarkable 328% increase in private electric vehicle (EV) charging points in residential areas over the past year, with around 2,140 installations. Key players like Tata Power and Adani Electricity are actively involved in expanding the EV charging infrastructure, partnering with builders and planning significant station installations. While the BEST power supply wing has clarified that it is the consumer’s responsibility to install charging infrastructure in parking areas, Mumbai's surge in private charging points reflects the city's growing EV adoption and the global push for eco-friendly transport. Accessible charging infrastructure is crucial for encouraging more individuals to embrace EVs, signalling a cleaner, sustainable future.Read more

Godrej Fund Management, the real estate arm of the Godrej Group, is on the verge of selling 200,000 square feet of office space in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex to Max Life Insurance for approximately Rs 900 crore. The deal includes three floors currently leased to prominent tenants, including Carlyle Group, Nayara Energy, and Investcorp. The property is part of the Godrej BKC commercial project. This transaction highlights Godrej Fund Management's commitment to expanding its presence in strategic locations. The deal is expected to conclude soon, with both parties having signed the term sheet and initiated due diligence.Read more

The Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has greenlit a crucial infrastructure project, allocating Rs 6,602 crore rupees for the construction of two tunnels beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. These tunnels, linking Goregaon to Mulund, are set to alleviate transportation challenges. The project, delayed by technical issues and the pandemic, is expected to take five years and will include maintenance for a decade. The tunnels will have cross passages for emergencies, a footpath, and water main relocation near an eco-sensitive zone. It will improve connectivity between eastern and western suburbs, providing a direct route to Navi Mumbai.Read more

Dharavi, a Mumbai settlement with a rich history, has evolved significantly over time. From its origins as a fishing village, it transformed into a bustling hub for various trades and businesses during the 19th century. After much delay, the redevelopment of Dharavi slums now ready to begin under the stewardship of the Adani Group. The finalised plans promise new housing, amenities, and commercial spaces. This ambitious project, expected to span nearly two decades, aims to address longstanding issues and provide residents with better living conditions. While some remain sceptical due to past experiences, others see promise in the transformation of Dharavi.Read more

Oberoi Realty's Commerz III in Goregaon, Mumbai, is set to be finished by March 2024. Having already signed a lease deal for 1.6 million square feet with Morgan Stanley, the company expects to finalize deals for the remaining 2.4 million square feet in the next few months. Discussions are ongoing with various clients, including flex space providers, pharmaceutical firms, tech companies, and educational institutions. Commerz III offers diverse floor plate options, dedicated lift zones for larger clients, and extensive parking. Oberoi Realty also plans to include retail and amenities like food courts and gyms. The company emphasizes sustainability and green initiatives, showcasing its leadership in commercial real estate.Read more

Sumitomo Corporation Group secured a momentous long-term lease for a 3-acre land parcel in Mumbai's BKC from the MMRDA, valued at over Rs 2,067 crore. The subsidiary, Goisu Realty, won the bid in 2019, concluding the deal after a four-year journey. This marked MMRDA's first land auction in 12 years. The BKC remains a sought-after business district, with the MMRDA looking to raise Rs 3,000 crore from its land parcels. However, policy clarity regarding floor space index purchases is awaited. Goisu Realty also made a significant acquisition in Worli for Rs 5,200 crore. Land transactions are gaining momentum across key Indian markets.Read more

In 2012, actor Salman Khan acquired a Bandra building for Rs 120 crore, intending to transform it into a commercial property. Recently, LandCraft Retail leased the property to establish Food Square, a gourmet store, at a monthly rental of 1 crore, replacing Future Group's Food Hall due to payment issues. This investment trend in commercial properties by Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan and Kartik Aryan, is driven by attractive rental yields. The Indian gourmet food market, currently valued at $1.3 billion, is steadily growing at a 20% annual rate, making it a promising venture. Gourmet retail stores offer a variety of high-quality products, contributing to this market's success.Read more

Bandra East, a vibrant Mumbai locality, is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, offering a range of experiences. Its luxury real estate market, exemplified by iconic projects, has remained resilient and in high demand. Celebrities like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan call it home, adding to its allure. In a week, Bandra East saw six property transactions, including standout deals in luxury projects like X BKC and more affordable options like BC Corp Arista. These transactions highlight the diversity of property buyers' preferences, showcasing Bandra East as a dynamic real estate hub with a bright future.Read more

Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, comprising four state-run hospitals in Maharashtra, is slated for extensive repair and renovation projects due to concerns raised by the Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (MARD). The initiatives encompass a comprehensive overhaul of the medicine department at Sir JJ Hospital, repair and maintenance for student hostels, nurses' quarters, and resident medical officer quarters, as well as addressing leakage issues at Cama & Albless Hospital. While these efforts aim to enhance healthcare facilities, concerns about the shortage of hostels for resident doctors persist. Plans for new hostel construction are pending approval, with completion expected in several years.Read more

Viacom18, a prominent Indian entertainment network, is set to lease a 400,000-square-foot headquarters in Mumbai from Blackstone's Nucleus Office Parks. The move aims to consolidate Viacom18's various business units under one roof, including tax, finance, sports, and digital divisions. The monthly rent for the marquee space is estimated at 60 million Indian rupees ($722,178). Viacom18, a joint venture of Viacom Inc. and the Network18 Group competes with major players like Disney and Netflix in India. The office relocation is expected to occur before December, and Blackstone is planning an IPO for its Indian office portfolio, including Nucleus Office Parks.Read more

IFC, a member of the World Bank, is partnering with Sunteck Realty to establish a joint platform with a total investment of up to Rs 750 crore (US$90 million). This collaboration aims to support the development of around 12,000 housing units across four to six green housing projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. IFC plans to invest up to Rs 330 crore (US$40 million), while Sunteck Realty will contribute the remaining amount. The project's focus is on creating large-scale housing projects in Mumbai's suburbs to address the housing needs of mid-income earners. The initiative also emphasizes eco-friendly housing with a goal to reduce water and energy consumption by at least 20% using IFC's EDGE green building certification.Read more

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ruled against the developers of the World One project in 'Upper Worli,' finding them responsible for unfair trade practices and a deficiency in service. The NCDRC has ordered refunds with interest to three flat buyers, totalling approximately Rs 33 crore, with a maximum pay out of Rs 13 crore. The project faced significant delays due to the Airports Authority of India withholding a No Objection Certificate. The NCDRC rejected the developers' argument that the flat purchasers should have terminated their agreements, emphasizing the developers' responsibility for the project's delays and lack of necessary approvals. This ruling sets a precedent for consumer rights in real estate disputes.Read more

The Bombay High Court has rejected a plea by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA Ravindra Waikar, along with his wife Manisha and three others, challenging the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) decision to cancel permission for the development of land designated for a five-star hotel in Jogeshwari (East). The court questioned the initial permission granted by BMC officials and why no action was taken against those officials when the permission was later revoked. The dispute arose from an agreement made in 2004, and the court found that the petitioners had concealed key clauses, leading to the rejection of their plea.Read more

Bombay Dyeing, a prominent Indian textile company, is reportedly in talks to sell around 18 acres of its mill land in the prestigious Pandurang Budhkar Marg area in Worli, Mumbai, to the Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo for an estimated sum of approximately Rs. 5,000 crore. This potential transaction follows a recent public notice, issued by the law firm Wadia Ghandy on behalf of an undisclosed client, expressing interest in exploring the legal rights, ownership, and interests associated with a large land parcel owned by Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Co Limited. If realized, this deal could mark a significant entry or expansion into Mumbai's real estate market by Sumitomo.Read more

Mumbai's Arkade Group is set for a transformative debut, aiming to launch an initial public offering (IPO) in December 2023. With plans to submit a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) to SEBI by August 31, the real estate powerhouse seeks to raise approximately ?600 crores. Anticipating a valuation of ?4,000 crores, the IPO involves a 15 percent reduction in promoter equity. Arkade Group is engaged in multiple residential projects across Mumbai's micro-markets, while also eyeing the commercial real estate sector through a leasing model. The company's sales momentum has surged, reflecting upgraded offerings and a strategic shift in project focus.Read more

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has recently acquired a luxury apartment in the prestigious Juhu area of Mumbai for a whopping Rs 17.50 crore. The apartment, located on the second floor of the Siddhi Vinayak Building in Presidency Society, boasts a carpet area of approximately 1,594 square feet. This high-profile purchase makes it one of the most expensive deals in the locality, which is renowned for housing Bollywood celebrities, directors, producers, and industrialists. Notably, Kartik Aaryan's family already owns another apartment in the same society.Read more

In a late-night incident in Mumbai's Malad West, nearly 20 families were evacuated from a building after a floor in one of the flats collapsed, resulting in two injuries. The affected flat was located on the fourth floor of Navjivan Cooperative Housing Society's C wing in Evershine Nagar. Following an inspection by BMC officials, the residents were asked to immediately vacate the premises due to safety concerns. The injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition. The building's redevelopment is underway, with plans to demolish it if necessary.Read more