SaveLIFE Foundation, in partnership with MSRDC and Mercedes-Benz India, conducted a detailed training workshop on work zone safety for engineers and field staff working on the Samruddhi Mahamarg. The initiative, part of the Zero Fatality Corridor program, focused on practical and theoretical aspects of managing work zones, including traffic management, signage usage, and incident prevention. Attendees also gained hands-on experience in temporary traffic management. The workshop reinforced evidence-based safety practices to reduce road accidents, while acknowledging the expressway's role in improving connectivity and economic growth in Maharashtra.Read more

During the inauguration of the UP Trade Show Swadeshi Mela in Gorakhpur earlier this week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath highlighted that the state's robust infrastructure, improved ease of doing business, and strong law and order have driven significant domestic and international investments. He noted that Uttar Pradesh had transformed from a once "BIMARU" state into an "enterprise-oriented" region, becoming a major contributor to the nation's economic growth under the double-engine government.Read more

India's housing market continued its moderate growth trend this year, with the All-India House Price Index (HPI) rising 3.6 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of FY2025-26, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India. The index, now calculated with a new base year of 2022-23, reflects price movements across 18 major cities. Nagpur, Chandigarh, Chennai, and Kochi recorded the highest sequential price gains, while the overall quarterly increase stood at 2 percent. The inclusion of eight additional cities has broadened the coverage of the updated index.Read more

Private equity inflows into Indian real estate dropped 32 per cent in the July-September quarter to USD 1.5 billion, compared with USD 2.2 billion during the same period last year. Office assets and data centres accounted for the majority of investments, at 39 per cent and 38 per cent respectively, while residential properties received 20 per cent. From January to September, total inflows reached USD 3.9 billion. Although PE activity has moderated from the 2020 peak of USD 6.6 billion, India continues to attract sustained investor interest, reinforcing its status as a preferred destination for long-term real estate investments.Read more

India's eight key housing markets recorded a modest 1% rise in sales during the July-September quarter, indicating sustained demand but hinting that the residential property market could be approaching a peak. Sales for the year so far have slightly declined by 1% to 2,57,804 units. Factors such as lower mortgage rates, strong economic growth, tax benefits, and improved consumer confidence due to GST rationalisation have supported housing demand. Luxury and ultra-luxury segments are showing early signs of slowdown, prompting experts to encourage developers to focus more on affordable housing.Read more

Jammu and Kashmir experienced major disruptions on key highways due to heavy snowfall and landslides. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, along with the Srinagar-Leh route, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Top road, were temporarily closed for vehicular movement. Snowfall in high-altitude areas and heavy rain in the plains caused temperatures to drop sharply. Authorities mobilized road clearance teams, and traffic was expected to resume gradually. Pilgrimages to Vaishno Devi and Machail Mata remained suspended, while schools in the Jammu division stayed closed, affecting daily routines.Read more

Several Indian states are exploring the use of Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) to raise funds for new projects, taking cues from the central government's previous achievements. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan are among those working on or negotiating InvIT structures to monetize existing assets and finance upcoming developments. While the plan could attract wider investor participation and diversify funding channels, experts have highlighted that its success will depend on well-defined frameworks, transparent regulations, and possible coordination with the Centre.Read more

India's office leasing market showed a mixed performance in the latest quarter amid global uncertainties. Knight Frank India reported a 6% decline in gross leasing to 17.8 million sq ft in the July-September period, primarily due to a 20% fall in leasing by foreign firms establishing Global Capability Centers. However, cumulative leasing from January to September rose 24% to 66.7 million sq ft. City-wise, Bengaluru and Mumbai recorded declines, while Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad saw growth, reflecting varied regional demand and a steady absorption trend that points to a potential record for the year.Read more

In a landmark move for India's real estate sector, CREDAI-MCHI, under the leadership of President Sukhraj Nahar, has hosted the Real Estate Leaders' Convergence - a first-of-its-kind event uniting major industry bodies like NAREDCO, BDA, and PEATA. The initiative aims to foster unity, streamline regulations, and enhance Ease of Doing Business across Mumbai's real estate ecosystem. A Joint Task Force will coordinate reforms, push for faster approvals, and ensure transparency through digitization. Key discussions focused on coordinated planning among agencies and restructuring premium payments for better cash flow. The convergence marks a new era of collaborative leadership, policy alignment, and sustainable growth for the MMR's real estate sector.Read more

Institutional investments in Indian real estate increased to USD 1.27 billion in the third quarter, marking an 11 per cent rise from last year, primarily driven by office assets. Domestic investors contributed 60 per cent of the total inflows, showing a 51 per cent year-on-year increase, while foreign inflows fell 21 per cent. Office investments grew 27 per cent to USD 779.9 million, whereas residential inflows dipped 17 per cent. Experts attribute this growth to strong investor confidence, policy support, and improving economic fundamentals, reflecting a sustained interest in India's real estate market.Read more