The Bombay High Court has dismissed Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority's (MHADA) plea for relaxed height restrictions on a proposed 40-storey building near Mumbai's International Airport. Citing the paramount importance of civil aviation safety, Justices Gautam Patel and Kamal Khata emphasized concerns raised by the civil aviation ministry's appellate authority regarding the building's height. MHADA sought to construct 560 low-cost housing units at Kopri village, Powai, within the airport's 4km radius. The court upheld the reduced height of 96.68m AMSL, rejecting MHADA's challenge and emphasizing universal civil aviation safety standards. The decision sets a precedent for responsible urban development near airports.Read more

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), a 21-kilometer sea bridge, recently opened after six years, enhancing city connectivity. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is struggling to complete two smaller road overbridges, comprising only three percent of MTHL's size. The Vikhroli overbridge, initiated in May 2018, faced delays due to design changes, encroachments, and utility shifts, increasing costs from Rs 47.75 to Rs 97.37 crore. Similarly, the Vidyavihar overbridge, started in March 2018, faced setbacks, escalating costs from Rs 99.98 to Rs 178.93 crore. Activists cite coordination issues among government agencies, emphasizing the urgency of efficient project management for timely infrastructure completion in Mumbai's growing landscape.Read more

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has introduced the "One Stand-alone Project: One MahaRERA Number" policy to combat developers obtaining multiple registration numbers for the same project, causing project delays. These multiple registrations led to difficulties in obtaining occupancy certificates and basic civic facilities for homebuyers. Ajoy Mehta, MahaRERA Chairman, emphasized the policy's aim to prevent delays and aid homebuyers. The order mandates promoters to submit a Declaration-cum-Undertaking, ensuring no existing registrations for the proposed project or any part of it. The policy seeks to streamline processes, avoid disputes, and protect stakeholders' interests and is to become effective immediately.Read more

In response to a Bombay High Court directive, Romell Real Estate Private Limited, the owner of Castelino Building in Vile Parle Gaothan, has committed to offering alternative accommodation to its four tenants before proceeding with the structure's demolition for redevelopment. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had earlier disconnected water and electricity services to the building due to safety concerns. The court emphasized the responsibility of property owners to rebuild dangerous structures and ordered the tenants' evacuation from the C1-categorized building by February 5. Romell Real Estate pledged equal carpet area alternatives and potential ownership of flats to the tenants in the redevelopment project.Read more

The Bombay High Court has overturned a 1995 ruling, allowing construction above seven feet on a historic Altamount Road property in Malabar Hill. The property, initially a 38,000-square-yard plot conveyed in 1890, had restrictions imposed by Dady Manekji Limji, preventing structures above seven feet on the land. Despite subsequent conveyances and divisions in 1957, a 1995 city civil court order mandated the demolition of constructed columns above the said height. The recent High Court decision, citing evidence of high-rises in the vicinity, deems the restriction as outdated, paving the way for the property's long-delayed development.Read more

Mumbai's M East ward is set to transform its streets with a Rs 6.15 crore project under the Pedestrian First policy. The initiative, focusing on the Ghatkopar Mankhurd Link Road junction, involves constructing new footpaths along 22 roads. The project aims to prioritize pedestrian safety and accessibility, featuring tactile indicators for the visually impaired and a new clock tower at the Indian Oil Junction. This move marks a significant shift in urban design, prioritizing pedestrian needs and setting a new standard for city planning in India.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached properties totaling Rs 6.93 crore belonging to builder Shailesh Savla in connection with a money laundering case linked to the rehabilitation of slum dwellers at the Juhu Taj Slum Society. The ED recently filed a chargesheet against Savla and his companies for selling flats intended for slum dwellers to influential individuals. The case involves irregularities in the allotment of residential accommodation and shops under the Juhu Taj Slum Rehabilitation Scheme, with Savla allegedly selling "slum flats" to prominent figures under fraudulent circumstances. The provisional attachments include a residential flat and fixed deposits.Read more

Tribeca Developers, known for Trump-branded projects, has partnered with Tejukaya Group to develop a luxury residential project in Mumbai’s Parel, marking its entry into Mumbai's prime real estate market. Backed by HDFC Capital, the 2.5-acre project under the Cluster Redevelopment Policy will feature over 400 luxury residences with an estimated Rs 1,800 crore sale value. Tribeca's founder, Kalpesh Mehta, highlighted the strategic move after 10 years of landmark projects across India. The project has secured necessary approvals and is expected to launch in Q1 2024-25, offering 2-3 bedroom apartments priced between Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 6 crore.Read more

Siddha Group has teamed up with Sejal Group for an attractive Makar Sankranti offer on their Siddha Sky affordable luxury building in Sion NX, Mumbai. The deal includes 0% stamp duty, no registration cost, and a 25:75 Builder Subvention Scheme. Celebrating new beginnings, Mr. Samyak Jain, the Director, is excited to help buyers start a new chapter. Siddha Sky boasts five 40-storey towers with a unique Rooftop Skywalk featuring a 22,000 sqft Club, Sky Lounge, and more. Strategically located near major transportation links, this offer aims to make dream homes more accessible, showcasing Siddha Group's commitment to redefining living spaces.Read more

The Bombay High Court has upheld the termination of developer Surjit Singh Arora's appointment in a prolonged legal battle over the Murugan Chawl slum rehabilitation scheme in Khar West. The court emphasized the correctness of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) CEO and Apex Grievance Redressal Committee orders, dismissing Arora's petition and imposing a cost of Rs 50,000. The judgment underscores the devastating impact of the over two-decade delay on the slum rehabilitation scheme, labeling Arora as disinterested, negligent, and lethargic in project implementation and highlighting the need for adherence to timelines in such crucial initiatives.Read more

Dilip Bhikhalal Desai, Chairman of DHC Advisory LLP, bought a luxurious sea-view duplex in Peninsula Bishopsgate, Breach Candy for a whopping Rs 85 crore. He chose the 10th and 11th floor of the tower. This 5,874 sq ft home sets a new standard with rates at nearly Rs 1.45 lakh per sq ft. The deal includes five parking slots, with stamp duty alone at Rs 5.10 crore. The Peninsula Bishopsgate project is a luxury project that adds to the prominence of Breach Candy. This deal shows soaring demand for premium real estate in Mumbai.Read more

The Maharashtra State Road Corporation (MSRDC) plans to develop its prime 28-acre land parcel in Bandra Reclamation and is looking for a construction company for the big project. With a minimum expected windfall of Rs 8000 crores, MSRDC intends to implement a revenue-sharing scheme. The mixed-use site will combine commercial and residential areas, and the hired firm will create the complicated master plan. MSRDC intends to retain ownership while leasing for 60 years, with an option to extend the lease for another 30 years.Read more

A structural audit by Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) revealed the need for urgent repair for 44 structures, including flyovers and subways, along Mumbai's Western Express Highway (WEH). The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will now address maintenance previously overseen by the MMRDA. The repairs will need a significant investment of Rs 200 crore. Key projects include the Andheri flyover and Parsi Panchayet underpass. The BMC's commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure safety marks a significant step in ensuring reliable and safe commutes for Mumbai's residents.Read more

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved Salma Khan's proposal for a hotel construction in Bandra West, Mumbai, clearing a plan to demolish a deserted eight-storey building on a 990 sq-m plot owned by the Khans. The hotel, with a clear sea view, will consist of 19 floors, including a cafe, restaurant, gym, swimming pool, office, convention center and guest rooms. The proposed FSI area is 5933.77 sq meters, totaling 10,208.00 square meters of construction. Despite opposition due to the plot's location in CRZ-IA and CRZ II areas, the MCZMA cited 2019 CRZ regulations, municipal approvals, and NOCs for height restrictions as grounds for clearance. Presently, no construction has commenced on the plot.Read more

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has received approval from the state housing department to take over the stalled redevelopment project of R. K. Building 1 and 2 at Ranade Road, Dadar West. The redevelopment of the Swami Samarth Krupa Building project spread across 946 square metres, was halted on the 9th floor in 2014, leaving tenants without rent for a decade. Following government authorization in August 2023, MHADA can intervene in projects inactive for over two years. Based on this, the Mumbai Building Repair and Reconstruction Board proposed MHADA's takeover, which includes scrutiny for third-party rights and loans, blacklisting the owner and developer, and filing a complaint with the BMC.Read more

The Bombay High Court has emphasised that an Occupancy Certificate (OC) cannot be granted to individual flats but is intended for the entire building. The court has temporarily halted an OC issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for two flats in Quettawalla Residency, Agripada. The decision underscores the legal distinction between certifications for individual units and those applicable to the overall building structure. The ruling aims to maintain regulatory compliance and uphold the intended purpose of OCs, ensuring that certifications accurately reflect the safety and adherence to building regulations for the entire premises.Read more

Blackstone-backed Nexus Select Trust, the only mall focused REIT in India, is planning to add the R City Mall owned by Runwal Developers in Mumbai to its REIT portfolio. Runwal recently made a Rs 1000 crore buyout of Singapore's GIC stake and acquired full ownership of the mall. Nexus Seawoods in Navi Mumbai stands as Nexus Trust's only Mumbai asset and is thus seeking investment in premium malls like R City and enhancing their amenities, aligning with its strategy of strengthening Grade-A mall acquisitions across MMR. Anarock Retail's 2023 report ranks MMR Grade-A mall rentals, averaging Rs 358 – 396 per sq ft, as the highest among major cities.Read more