The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has finally initiated repairs at the Dhanas rehabilitation colony after 11 years of neglect. The board will allocate INR 71 lakh to restore common areas, including columns, beams, and roofing. The colony, which houses over 25,000 residents in 8,448 flats, had seen severe deterioration since its creation under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Under pressure from residents, the CHB has begun surveying additional rehabilitation colonies for similar repairs, funded by a newly established revolving fund. The repairs should significantly improve residents' living conditions.Read more

The long-pending road concretisation project in South Mumbai is finally set to begin on October 1, following multiple delays and setbacks. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had faced obstacles, including contract termination in January, but has now cleared the way for the work to proceed. According to additional commissioner Abhijit Bangar, both tenders have been approved, and the work orders are expected to be finalized soon. This initiative promises to improve the quality of roads in South Mumbai, addressing long-standing issues with potholes and uneven surfaces.Read more

Apple Inc. is expanding its manufacturing presence in India with a new assembly plant by Tata Group in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The INR 6,000 crore facility, set to begin operations in November, is a key component of Apple's strategy to boost its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) program. This move reflects Apple's commitment to strengthening its footprint in India and diversifying its global supply chain to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions and disruptions. The Hosur plant will significantly increase Apple's production capacity, meeting growing demand for iPhones in both domestic and international markets. This expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs, supporting local economic growth and advanced manufacturing skills.Read more

The Adani Group's USD 619 million redevelopment of Dharavi, Mumbai's vast slum, faces major challenges due to difficulties in land acquisition. Despite winning the bid last year, securing land for the 240-hectare project has proven difficult due to local political opposition and pre-existing government plans. Dharavi, home to around 700,000 residents, is intended to be transformed into a modern urban hub, but issues with land and inclusivity are causing delays. The project aims to begin construction following a detailed eligibility survey, with a seven-year timeline, but unresolved land issues may lead to significant setbacks.Read more

The Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has committed INR 21,000 crore towards developing the Vadhavan Port, set to become India's largest container port with a total project cost of INR 76,220 crore. Located in Palghar, Maharashtra, the port aims to enhance India's logistics and trade capabilities by handling 298 million tons annually, including 23.2 million TEUs of container traffic. The project, developed by Vadhavan Port Project Ltd, will integrate road and rail links, aligning with dedicated freight corridors. This investment marks PFC's strategic shift towards infrastructure, supporting India's vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse.Read more

After a prolonged slowdown, affordable housing in Mumbai's real estate sector is showing recovery from a slump, particularly in the under INR 30 lakh segment. A study by Liases Foras reported a 41% growth in this segment during the March-June 2024 quarter, with an increase in activity in peripheral areas like Vasai-Virar, Boisar, and Dombivli. Despite new projects and government incentives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, awareness and implementation challenges continue to persist. Experts predict a potential 'V' shaped recovery pattern, but brokers in key areas note that sales are slower than expected due to a lack of scheme awareness.Read more

Residents of South City 1 are voicing their frustration over the neglect of basic civic amenities, five years after the area was handed over to the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG). Persistent issues, such as pothole-ridden roads, inadequate water supply, and poor drainage, have significantly affected their daily lives. A recent protest saw residents holding signs and demanding immediate action from MCG, highlighting the disrepair of roads, sanitation concerns, and frequent flooding during monsoons. Despite meeting with MCG officials and receiving assurances that these issues would be addressed, residents remain cautious but hopeful that their demands will lead to concrete improvements in their living conditions.Read more

The Union government has significantly increased grants for rental housing under the revamped Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0), approved on August 9, 2024. The scheme now offers INR 1.5 lakh per unit for constructing one-bedroom rental flats, up from INR 60,000, with central and state governments sharing the costs. Aimed at addressing the previous scheme's shortcomings, PMAY-U 2.0 seeks to enhance rental housing availability for working women, students, and migrant workers by encouraging private sector participation and optimizing government resources. Detailed guidelines are expected soon.Read more

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is advocating for a waiver on premium payments for government land in the INR 4,000 crore Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar slum redevelopment project in Ghatkopar. The project, covering 331,495 square metres, aims to provide modern homes for 16,000 slum dwellers and improve infrastructure. MMRDA's proposal, awaiting state government and Cabinet approval, could significantly reduce costs, ensuring the project's completion within three years. This initiative is set to enhance living conditions, promote economic growth, and serve as a model for future slum rehabilitation efforts in Mumbai.Read more

Stalled real estate projects in India, caused by poor execution, fund mismanagement, and excessive land acquisition, have led to significant distress among homebuyers. In response, the government launched the SWAMIH Fund in 2019, raising INR 15,530 crores to support incomplete projects. Despite this, only 32,000 homes have been delivered in five years. The Fund now targets 20,000 annual completions, but success hinges on better developer coordination and transparency. Calls for mandatory audits and stricter land banking regulations highlight the ongoing need for accountability in the real estate sector.Read more