Vriti Gothi

Thane is undergoing a major transformation through large-scale slum rehabilitation and redevelopment led by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Slum Rehabilitation Authority (MMR SRA). Supported by frameworks like the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) and the Maharashtra Town Planning Act, these projects aim to improve living standards while optimizing land use. Key developments, such as Shree Saianand CHS and Ajinkya Maharashtra CHS, integrate rehabilitation with urban planning. The MMR SRA is ensuring transparency by inviting public feedback, promoting inclusive decision-making. These efforts are shaping Thane into a more sustainable and habitable city while addressing housing challenges.Read more

Odisha's government is intensifying efforts to enhance urban development as part of its long-term vision for 2036. A recent high-level meeting, led by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, focused on urban living improvements and infrastructure upgrades. Key discussions included the implementation of town planning schemes in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, and the Puri-Konark region. These schemes aim to improve urban environments and accommodate growing populations. A major focus is leveraging government lands through public-private partnerships (PPP) to attract investment. Additionally, the government is filling vacant town planning department roles and revising vision documents to address current challenges, especially in historical districts.Read more

Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to revolutionize land assessment by adopting drone technology as part of the national NAKSHA program. This initiative will create a precise 3D model of the city, enhancing land record accuracy and addressing property-related disputes. The project aims to provide property cards to owners, simplify financial transactions, and establish property rights for flat owners. Covering all 51 wards, the aerial survey will modernize land records, offering insights into land use and boosting transparency. This pilot project could serve as a model for other cities in India to improve urban planning and governance.Read more

Brigade Group is set to invest INR 1,500 crore in Kerala, aiming to generate over 12,000 jobs in the next five years. At the Invest Kerala Global Summit, the company submitted an Expression of Interest, detailing plans to establish a second World Trade Center in the state, launch a residential project in Kochi, and develop a luxury island resort in Vaikom. Brigade has also partnered with Technopark for a WTC project in Thiruvananthapuram and is expanding WTC Kochi within Infopark. With decades of expertise, Brigade continues to solidify its presence in Kerala, backed by government support.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh government has also set aside INR 25,310 crore for urban development, with the aim of enhancing infrastructure, recreational facilities, and municipal services. While 17 major cities falling under municipal corporations will get upgraded amenities, the government also aims to upgrade smaller municipalities and town councils by giving funds for modernization. Besides, INR 400 crore has been set aside for the smart city program. The infrastructure development comprises the enhanced stormwater drainage system of 10 cities, for which INR 1,131 crore has been allocated, whereas INR 4,100 crore has been allocated under Amrut 2.0. The CM GRIDS scheme would also be allotted INR 800 crore in order to formulate model roads next year.Read more

With Navi Mumbai airport nearing operations, the Maharashtra government has kick-started plans for a third airport in Palghar near Vadhavan port. The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has floated a request for proposals for the same. The Vadhavan port, situated 130 km from Mumbai, is being planned in two phases with completion by 2039. The port, which is part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, will be one of the world's top 10 ports and will need an estimated investment of INR 76,200 crore. The proposal for the third airport was discussed earlier while the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was in power, with the consideration given to areas in the Palghar district. The action comes as the region's infrastructure needs expand, especially since Mumbai's primary airport runs at almost full capacity. At the same time, Navi Mumbai airport is slated to be opened by May or June, starting with domestic flights before opening for international flights in July.Read more

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to generate nearly INR 6,000 crore by leasing seven land parcels in Bandra Kurla Complex. Despite strong interest in three commercial plots, residential plots have seen little demand. The auction, offering 80-year leases on 10 plots designated for commercial, residential, healthcare, education, and recreational uses, includes competitive reserve prices. With built-up potentials reaching up to 45,000 square metres on commercial sites, the authority aims to boost finances amid a funding shortfall. This move is a key development in the Mumbai property market, supporting extensive infrastructure investments across the region.Read more

Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and Thane Tree Authority, in association with Oberoi Realty, have undertaken the Thane City Beautification Drive under Vrukshavalli 2025. The CSR activity is aimed at improving the green cover of Thane and fitting into its Smart City vision. Chief among these is the landscaping of a 16-kilometre route via native tree plantations, green landscaping, and green maintenance initiatives. The project attempts to strike a balance between city growth and an awareness of nature, supporting biodiversity and a green urban landscape. Oberoi Realty incorporates its approach of sustainable urbanisation into the project and manifests its commitment with projects such as Forestville and Oberoi Garden City Thane.Read more

The Supreme Court has indicated that it may order a CBI investigation into unauthorized constructions in Chandni Chowk and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) inaction. A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh criticized officials for allegedly ignoring violations, questioning how builders managed to erect illegal structures unchecked. The court has sought suggestions for an independent expert panel to assess the extent of encroachments. The matter, linked to a plea over demolitions in Bagh Deewar, Fatehpuri, will be heard next week, with a formal CBI probe under consideration.Read more

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has confirmed that no new projects will be initiated under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, its flagship highway development programme. Approved by the Cabinet in 2017, Phase 1 of the project covers 34,800 km across 31 states and union territories. However, only 26,425 km-76% of the sanctioned length-has been awarded for construction. The initiative has faced significant delays and cost overruns, leading to its projected completion being pushed to 2027-28. As of the past month, 55% of the awarded length has been completed, with expressways, border roads, and economic corridors in various stages of progress.Read more