The state government has announced that the height of stilt parking will no longer count towards the permissible building height under the 12.5% scheme in Navi Mumbai. This decision aims to facilitate redevelopment projects that were previously hindered by height restrictions. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde stated that the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) will be updated immediately to reflect this change. The 12.5% scheme, initiated by CIDCO in 1994, allocates developed land to project-affected persons (PAPs) whose land was acquired for Navi Mumbai's development. By excluding stilt parking from height calculations, the government seeks to accelerate redevelopment and benefit numerous residents in the region.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde announced a major policy change allowing owners and builders within the airport's funnel zone to receive equivalent Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) if height restrictions prevent full utilisation of the Floor Space Index (FSI). Concessions in premium charges for open space deficiencies and FSI exclusions for staircases and lifts have also been introduced. This move is expected to facilitate redevelopment in areas like Santacruz, Vile Parle, and Kurla. A provision in the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR-2034) has been approved to ease redevelopment constraints. The decision follows repeated appeals from local representatives who highlighted the financial non-viability of redevelopment due to height restrictions.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is launching a digital dashboard to provide real-time updates on its 400-km road concreting project. Designed for internal use, the system will enable senior officials to monitor progress efficiently. An appointed agency will update project data, track roadworks, and address challenges. The INR 12,000-crore initiative aims to complete 75% of phase one and 50% of phase two by June 2025. While initially for internal use, the dashboard may be made accessible to citizens in the future, enhancing transparency in Mumbai's road development efforts.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued notices to 20 housing societies in Juhu for modifying footpaths on Gulmohar Road and N S Road, impacting pedestrian movement. Following complaints from residents, officials found unauthorised carriageways constructed for vehicle entry and exit, creating safety hazards, particularly for senior citizens. Activists highlighted the growing issue of footpath encroachments, especially in redeveloped buildings. The BMC has directed societies to rectify these modifications as per its guidelines. Residents have urged stricter enforcement to prevent further encroachments and ensure safe pedestrian pathways.
Navi Mumbai is rapidly emerging as a prime commercial real estate hub, driven by its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and affordability. The city benefits from excellent connectivity via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Infrastructure projects like metro expansions and road network improvements further enhance its appeal. Affordable office spaces, coupled with lower operational costs, attract multinational corporations, startups, and Global Capability Centres. The proposed International Corporate Park in Kharghar is expected to be a game-changer. With a projected 13% annual growth rate in commercial real estate, Navi Mumbai presents a lucrative investment opportunity.Read more
Bollywood actress Kajol Devgan has sold her 762 sq ft apartment in Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, for INR 3.1 crore. The property, located on the 21st floor of Atlantis Co-Operative Housing Society, comes with two stack car parking spaces, with a per sq ft rate of approximately INR 40,682 based on the RERA carpet area. The deal was registered on March 20, with Vrushali Rajnish Rane and Rajnish Vishvnath Rane as the buyers. This transaction follows Kajol's recent purchase of a 4,365 sq ft commercial space in Goregaon West for INR 28.78 crore earlier this month. In 2023, she acquired an office space in Andheri West for INR 7.64 crore and an apartment in Mumbai for INR 16.50 crore. Meanwhile, her husband, Ajay Devgn, had leased out a commercial office space spanning 3,455 sq ft in Mumbai for a monthly rent of INR 7 lakh last year.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has announced plans to construct an iconic high-rise corporate office at Mallet Bunder in Mumbai. The 20-floor building, adjacent to the Ferry Wharf and Mumbai Cruise Terminal, will be developed at an estimated cost of INR 1,000 crore. The Mumbai Port Authority has allotted a 12,804 sq. m. plot for this project. The building will also house offices of key port-related organisations, including DG Shipping, IPGL, and IPA. JNPA has received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The office will feature a digital observatory, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and a ground-floor canteen. Engineers India Ltd. has been appointed as the project consultant for structural design, engineering, and construction management. The project is expected to be completed within two years after obtaining the necessary approvals and permissions.
The Bombay High Court dismissed a petition by Bhosale Homes challenging a 2016 stop-work notice issued by CIDCO for its Ulwe project in Navi Mumbai. The court ruled that a development agreement cannot override a disputed land title, affirming CIDCO's authority to halt construction. Bhosale Homes had claimed to be the land's lessee since 2008 and argued that a similar stop-work notice was overturned in 2018 for another project. However, CIDCO contended that the land was allocated to Sir Mohammed Yusuf Trust under the 12.5% scheme. The HC upheld CIDCO's decision, stating that land title disputes must be resolved in a civil court.
The Property Tax Department of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has decided to auction seized properties with outstanding tax dues. Notices have been issued to 454 property owners across eight wards, urging them to clear their arrears immediately to avoid auction proceedings from April 2025. Under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, properties with unpaid taxes face seizure and subsequent auction. To facilitate the process, authorised government valuers are being appointed. Additionally, NMMC has introduced the 'Abhay Yojana', offering a 50% waiver on late payment charges until the end of March 2025, with tax payment centres remaining open on weekends.Read more
Hermes Distillery has purchased 10 residential units in Prestige Ocean Tower, Marine Lines, Mumbai, for INR 199.35 crore. The total built-up area of the apartments is 25,650 sq ft, with each unit offering a carpet area of 2,482 sq ft and a built-up area of 2,565 sq ft. The deal, registered in January 2025, reflects a per-unit price between INR 19.39 crore and INR 20.54 crore. Each apartment has three parking spaces, for a total of thirty parking spaces, and the total stamp duty paid is INR 11.96 crore. Prestige Ocean Tower, developed by Prestige Projects, is located on a 2.3-acre site and features 2 and 3 BHK residences.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde has announced that all street concretization work in Mumbai will be completed by May 31. The initiative, which began in January 2023, covers over 20 major roads and has faced criticism over delays and disruptions. In a recent review meeting, Shinde assured MLAs that the project would be expedited and addressed concerns regarding road quality and slow execution. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis also emphasized the government's commitment to achieving full concretization of Mumbai's roads by 2027.
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has sold two apartments in Oberoi Sky City, Borivali East, for INR 6.60 crore. The transactions, recorded on March 20, 2025, involved a 1,080 sq. ft. unit bought for INR 2.82 crore and sold for INR 5.35 crore, along with a 252 sq. ft. apartment acquired for INR 67.19 lakh and sold for INR 1.25 crore. This is his third sale in the project this year, following two earlier transactions in January and March. Oberoi Sky City, a ready-to-move-in development, has witnessed significant market activity, with 208 sale registrations worth INR 818 crore in the past year.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) evacuated residents from Dsouza Mansion in Santacruz, a C1-rated building deemed dangerous. The structure, which had been under scrutiny for its deteriorating condition, was vacated with police assistance to ensure compliance. Residents who had been resisting relocation expressed concerns over inadequate alternatives. The building's structural integrity had been questioned following recent municipal audits categorizing it as unsafe. Despite opposition from occupants, the civic body proceeded with the eviction to prevent potential hazards, marking another instance of BMC's ongoing efforts to address Mumbai's ageing infrastructure.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating an alleged land-grabbing and money laundering case involving unauthorized buildings in Nalasopara, constructed on public land. The case involves the demolition of four buildings by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) in January, following a Supreme Court order that deemed them illegal. Authorities claim that the accused fraudulently acquired land, constructed 41 buildings, and sold flats worth INR 1,500-1,600 crore. This led to the eviction of 2,500 families, a matter recently debated in the Maharashtra state legislature. The agency suspects that the funds from these sales were laundered through various channels, prompting a deeper probe into the money trail.
Mumbai's historic Elphinstone Road Overbridge (ROB), built 125 years ago during the British era, will be closed by April 10, 2025, to make way for a double-decker bridge under the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project. The MMRDA has nearly completed all clearances, including one from Mumbai Traffic Police, to begin demolition before the monsoon season. The ROB connects Prabhadevi and Parel, both key commercial and hospital zones. Traffic diversions via Curry Road and Tilak Bridge and new pedestrian FOBs will aid movement. One level of the new bridge is expected by April 2026, promising improved long-term connectivity and safety.Read more
The Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) has significantly improved east-west connectivity in Mumbai, cutting travel time between Santacruz and Chembur from nearly two hours to just 17 minutes. The ongoing extension aims to ease congestion further and introduce additional direct links. With the project cost rising to INR 650-670 crore due to delays, it features Asia's first curved cable-stayed bridge and new routes connecting Kurla to Vakola Junction and Chembur to Vile Parle. Once completed, it is expected to reduce congestion in key areas, such as the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Vakola, by 30%, offering a smoother commute across the city. The final phase is anticipated to be completed in the coming months.Read more
InterGlobe Hotels (IGH), a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises and Accor, is expanding its presence in India through a greenfield development strategy focused on key metropolitan markets. Recently, IGH launched its fifth property in Mumbai at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), adding 206 rooms and expecting it to contribute nearly 25% of Mumbai revenue in the next three years. The company is now eyeing further growth in Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, and Goa. Currently operating 23 hotels across India, IGH reported 14% revenue growth in 2024 and anticipates maintaining this momentum. The ibis brand, targeting business travelers, enjoys occupancy rates of up to 90%, with projected ADR growth of 5-10% in 2025.