Kolkata News Desk

07 Jan 2026

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has launched an urgent demolition drive targeting structurally unsafe and hazardous buildings across the city to protect public safety and prevent potential collapses. The action follows engineering assessments and multiple notices issued to property owners whose structures were found to be at risk due to poor maintenance, structural defects or unauthorised alterations. Under the drive, identified buildings are being cordoned off and demolition work initiated where necessary, with rescue and traffic management measures in place to ensure safety. KMC officials have called on landlords and residents to cooperate and complete demolition or repairs within specified timelines, emphasising that timely intervention is critical to safeguard lives and urban resilience.Read more

Kolkata News Desk

03 Jan 2026

The Calcutta High Court has permitted the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to undertake repair and maintenance work on buildings deemed unsafe, even as civil litigation remains pending between the property owners and the civic body. The order enables the corporation to carry out structural rectification to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods. The ruling underscores the court's emphasis on protecting life and property, balancing legal rights with urgent civic responsibilities. While the civil dispute continues to be adjudicated separately, the civic agency has been authorised to proceed with remedial works to avert risks associated with deteriorating structures.Read more

29 Dec 2025

Kolkata Metro's Blue Line faced a disruption earlier this week when a train had to apply its emergency brake near Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station, halting operations between Dakshineswar and Maidan for about one and a half hours. Passengers from the affected train were safely evacuated at Tollygunje, and services fully resumed later. Metro officials said the cause of the emergency braking is under investigation. The incident adds to recent operational snags on the line, highlighting challenges in maintaining uninterrupted commuter services.Read more

29 Dec 2025

The National Company Law Tribunal has approved a resolution plan submitted by Ambuja Housing and Urban Infrastructure Company Ltd to take over and complete the long-stalled Usshar residential project at Batanagar near Kolkata. The approval enables a parcel-wise resolution of the debt-laden Riverbank Developers Private Ltd, the original promoter of the larger Calcutta Riverside township. Under the plan, the Ambuja Neotia Group subsidiary will acquire the 9.4-acre Usshar parcel for an upfront payment of INR 34 crore and complete the remaining construction. The move is expected to bring relief to homebuyers who have faced prolonged uncertainty and allow the project to progress independently of broader liabilities.Read more

27 Dec 2025

The West Bengal Real Estate Appellate Tribunal has ruled that homebuyers cannot demand GST refunds from developers when a flat purchase is cancelled and must instead approach the GST department. The decision came while modifying a WBRERA order in a dispute involving a cancelled booking at a Kolkata housing project. The tribunal allowed the promoter to deduct GST already paid to the government and set aside a penalty imposed earlier. The ruling clearly separates regulatory refunds from tax refunds and reinforces that GST recovery is governed by central tax law.Read more

11 Dec 2025

A century-old three storey building in Kolkata’s Bowbazar partially collapsed earlier this week, injuring one person. Kolkata Metro Railway inspected the site and clarified that it is not responsible for fresh damage, noting that tunnelling work was already completed and no active construction is underway. Temporary supports were installed, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation has been asked to assess the building. Residents had reported train vibrations days before the collapse. Bowbazar has experienced recurring structural issues since 2019, highlighting the need for proper maintenance and monitoring of ageing urban buildings.Read more

08 Dec 2025

NKDA has issued notices to 37 residential buildings in New Town for operating hotels, guest houses and banquet facilities without the required permissions. These properties, spread across Action Area I and II, were found violating rules that allow commercial use of residential units only after obtaining prior approval and meeting safety norms. The authority highlighted concerns related to fire hazards, unapproved building changes and non-compliance with statutory requirements. Earlier this year, NKDA had also taken action against several other unauthorised commercial establishments. A provisional NOC system has now been introduced to regulate limited commercial use.Read more

08 Dec 2025

Smartworks Coworking Spaces Ltd has leased 168,000 sq. ft. of office space in Kolkata to a prominent IT company, signaling strong demand for flexible office solutions. The deal underscores the growing preference among technology firms for ready-to-use, scalable workspaces. Over the past few years, Smartworks has expanded across India, focusing on tier-1 and tier-2 cities, and attracting large corporate clients. Industry experts view this lease as a reflection of the resilience of Kolkata's office market and the ongoing adoption of hybrid work models.Read more

30 Nov 2025

Kolkata's premium residential market witnessed a sharp rise in supply and absorption earlier this year, according to Nklusive's H1 2025 Premium Real Estate Market Report. The consultancy observed that premium homes priced between INR 1.5 crore and INR 5 crore recorded heightened demand, with active projects increasing from 24 to 34 over the past year. Marketable supply nearly doubled, and South Kolkata led overall inventory distribution. Larger units, particularly 3 BHK and 4 BHK formats, saw notable sales growth, reflecting a shift towards spacious, amenity-rich living among high-end homebuyers.Read more

29 Nov 2025

Kolkata Metro has announced extended weekday operations on the Purple Line, increasing services from 80 to 84 and expanding operating hours from 6.40 am to 9.26 pm. The first train will depart Joka at 6.40 am and Majherhat at 7.03 am, with the last trains leaving at 9.05 pm and 9.26 pm respectively. Officials said the earlier start and later close will benefit commuters using Eastern Railway's Majherhat station by improving interchange options. Weekend timings remain unchanged, with services running only on Saturdays. The 7.75-km Joka-Majherhat stretch will eventually connect to Esplanade, where the Purple Line will integrate with the Blue and Green lines to enhance central Kolkata's connectivity.Read more

29 Nov 2025

BSNL is set to auction an 11.1 acre land parcel on Jessore Road, Madhyamgram, Kolkata, within the next few months. Valued internally at INR 179 crore, the land is expected to attract bids exceeding INR 250 crore due to its strategic location near Star Mall and close to Kolkata airport. Previously, BSNL sold a smaller Kankurgachi parcel for INR 131 crore. The Madhyamgram land, currently housing staff quarters and a telephone exchange, could support large-scale residential projects, drawing interest from national and local developers, under the supervision of NLMC.Read more

25 Nov 2025

Metro Railway Kolkata is preparing a major upgrade of its Blue Line by constructing seven new traction substations across key stations on the corridor. These will be located at Kalighat, Netaji Bhawan, Maidan, Esplanade, MG Road, Sovabazar-Sutanuti, and between Belgachia and Shyambazar. Orders have also been placed for two additional substations at Chandni Chowk and Geetanjali. Along with this, the ventilation and cooling systems in tunnels and stations are being modernised to enhance safety, reduce energy usage, and improve overall performance. Recent past upgrades and planned signalling improvements also support this long-term modernisation effort.Read more

23 Nov 2025

Kolkata Metro's Blue Line, the country's oldest corridor, is moving towards a major security upgrade with an AI-enabled, IP-based CCTV system targeted for completion by March 2026. The INR 25.34 crore project includes installing 1,678 cameras across stations and RPF posts, supported by a centralised monitoring setup and 240 TB storage at Metro Bhawan. The system will help identify unattended items, unusual movement, perimeter breaches, and crowd patterns. Officials expect the new network to improve passenger safety and support better station management through real-time analytics.Read more

21 Nov 2025

A key obstacle for Kolkata Metro's Purple Line has been resolved after Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and the Consulate General of Nepal signed a land-swap MoU. Around 410?sq m of consulate land will be exchanged for 526 sq m of Metro Railway land, enabling construction of a 450 metre ramp between Mominpur and Kidderpore. The agreement follows multiple discussions over three years involving both countries' ministries, Metro Railway, and RVNL. This deal allows vital underground works to progress smoothly while resolving legal and logistical issues linked to the consulate's previous property.Read more

15 Nov 2025

The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has issued legal notices to 13 homeowners for running commercial establishments such as guest houses, restaurants, private offices, kitchens, and pre-schools without proper approvals. Officials pointed out that several of these properties posed serious fire hazards and involved modifications to sanctioned building plans. This action follows earlier notices to other property owners and reflects NKD's effort to enforce zoning and building regulations. Authorities have warned that further violations could lead to fines, closure, or revocation of occupancy certificates.Read more

03 Nov 2025

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) in Kolkata has announced investment commitments worth more than INR 48,000 crore through multiple agreements signed during India Maritime Week 2025. These partnerships involve major companies such as Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd, Dredging Corporation of India Ltd, Adani Ports, JSW Infrastructure, Srijan Realty and HUDCO. The agreements cover areas like dredging, terminal development, petroleum infrastructure, real-estate projects, and logistics connectivity. This development aligns with SMPK's goal of expanding its port capacity and integrating industrial and real-estate growth across the eastern region.Read more

31 Oct 2025

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata has secured more than INR 48,000 crore in strategic investment commitments through multiple partnerships signed during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. The agreements cover a range of projects, including new container terminals, riverfront development, dredging operations, and industrial infrastructure expansion. Major companies such as Haldia Petrochemicals, Adani Ports, JSW Infrastructure, Dredging Corporation of India, and UltraTech Cement have committed significant investments aimed at enhancing port capacity, connectivity, and economic growth in eastern India.Read more

30 Oct 2025

Godrej Housing Finance, a subsidiary of Godrej Capital, has ventured into eastern India with the opening of a new branch in Kolkata. The move marks the company's strategic expansion in the eastern and northeastern markets, aimed at strengthening its national presence. The new branch will act as a regional hub, offering home loans, including exclusive schemes for women with special interest rates and complimentary health insurance coverage.Read more

15 Oct 2025

Kolkata's real estate market remained stable in the third quarter, with residential property prices rising 8 per cent YoY, driven by genuine end-user demand and preference for quality developments. Sales volume grew by 2 per cent, with buyers focusing on reputed developers and well-connected areas. The office segment also performed steadily, particularly in IT outsourcing and flexible workspaces, with 0.5 million sq ft of transactions reflecting 190 per cent YoY growth. Tight supply of Grade A offices pushed average rentals up by 14 per cent, the highest among major cities.Read more

26 Sep 2025

Transport Corporation of India Limited (TCI) has announced the opening of a large warehouse in Kolkata, positioned as a strategic hub for Eastern and North-eastern India. The facility spans approximately 3 lakh sq. ft. across 10.5 acres and is designed to handle cross-border trade with Bhutan, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. Equipped with cold-chain solutions, eco-friendly construction, robotics-compatible infrastructure and energy-efficient designs, it aims to serve sectors such as automotive, e-commerce, FMCG, retail and textiles while strengthening TCI's legacy in Kolkata.Read more