10 Jun 2025

In a significant stride towards sustainable urban transformation, the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT), under its flagship Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project (SBUP), marked World Environment Day by reinforcing its commitment to eco-conscious redevelopment in Bhendi Bazaar. The initiative goes beyond structural renewal, incorporating native greenery, renewable energy, water and waste management systems, and thoughtful urban planning that balances cultural modern resilience. SBUT's efforts are setting an unprecedented benchmark for future cities that prioritise both people and the planet.Read more

10 Jun 2025

A growing demand for adaptable, technology-driven, and wellness-oriented workplaces is pushing Asia-Pacific landlords to rethink traditional office setups. Amid rising vacancy rates and evolving tenant expectations, landlords especially those of older buildings are turning to innovation to remain competitive. The shift is driven by increased emphasis on employee experience, digital infrastructure, and ESG goals. Smart building features like facial recognition systems, AI-based design tools, EV charging, and community lounges are becoming essential. As the region sees a sharp transition to hybrid work culture, investment in digital and physical upgrades is becoming key to office relevance.Read more

Pradeep Kumar Rangi, Chief Risk Officer IIFL Home Finance

02 Jun 2025

In the past year and a half, two major cyber breaches targeting a domestic brokerage and a North American mortgage servicer led to the exposure of approximately 25 million customer records. These incidents highlighted recurring vulnerabilities-misconfigured cloud storage, outdated virtualisation platforms, and weak static identity protection. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has since sounded an alarm, with the Bombay Stock Exchange issuing a red alert for the BFSI sector earlier this week. Housing finance companies (HFCs), due to their long data retention cycles and sensitive documentation requirements, face uniquely high stakes. Regulatory mandates such as the RBI's 2023 IT Governance directives and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act are now shaping a strict cyber-resilience regime for such entities.Read more

Mr. Bhavesh Shah, Joint Managing Director, Today Group

26 May 2025

Upper Kharghar is poised for a dramatic transformation as the Kharghar-Turbhe Link Road (KTLR) and the Pisarve metro station prepare to redefine connectivity in Navi Mumbai. The 5.49-km KTLR, featuring a twin tunnel and an elevated viaduct, will drastically reduce travel time, linking the industrial hub of Turbhe with the scenic Upper Kharghar. Simultaneously, the metro's modern amenities are expected to attract homebuyers and investors alike. These infrastructure projects, coupled with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and CIDCO Business District, are set to enhance the socio-economic and real estate value of the region significantly.Read more

Mr. Prabhakar Kumar Head - Government Consulting, REPL (Rudrabhishek Enterprises Ltd.)

22 May 2025

India's rapid urbanisation, driven by population growth and economic progress, continues to exert immense pressure on its urban infrastructure. With over 1.4 billion people, the country's cities face mounting issues including inadequate public services, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and widening social inequalities. To combat this, India has adopted a multi-pronged approach: implementing smart infrastructure, launching nationwide missions such as the Smart Cities Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, and introducing significant policy reforms like the INR 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund. These initiatives aim to enhance livability, sustainability, and resilience across urban India.Read more

Mr. Anuj Goradia, Director, Dosti Realty

21 May 2025

The emergence of master-planned communities is reshaping the urban real estate landscape, offering homebuyers a holistic living experience. These developments, often termed 'cities within cities,' integrate residential spaces with a comprehensive array of amenities, from fitness centres and swimming pools to educational institutions and retail outlets. Strategically located to provide easy access to business hubs and essential services, these communities foster a walk-to-work culture, reducing commute times and promoting a healthier work-life balance. Additionally, they offer green spaces and pollution-free environments, catering to the needs of families, working professionals, and retirees alike. The concept has gained traction as developers collaborate with top sports academies, ensuring that residents, especially young enthusiasts, can access world-class facilities.Read more

Mr. Aditya N. Shah, Director, Mayfair Housing

20 May 2025

The real estate market in Virar, a burgeoning suburb on the northern edge of Mumbai, is witnessing substantial growth due to its enhanced connectivity, affordability, and lifestyle offerings. Once a peripheral town, Virar has emerged as a vibrant residential and commercial hub with property prices ranging between INR 5,200 and INR 6,500 per square foot, making it an attractive choice for first-time homebuyers and young families. Infrastructure projects such as the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, Versova-Virar Sea Link, and the upcoming Metro Route 13 are expected to significantly reduce travel time and boost economic activity. Additionally, the planned bullet train station as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor will further position Virar as a well-connected and investment-worthy destination.Read more

Mr. Sanjay Daga, CEO and Managing Director of Anex Advisory

06 May 2025

Mumbai, once cherished as Bombay the city of dreams is now grappling with urban strain marked by crumbling infrastructure, outdated housing, and unchecked congestion. With nearly 40% of its population living in slums and an overburdened transport system, the demand for resilient urban development has never been more urgent. Redevelopment is emerging as a compelling answer, promising upgraded infrastructure, modern amenities, and economic upliftment. As infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road and Metro Line 3 align with this momentum, the city's skyline and socio-economic dynamics could see transformative change if challenges such as regulatory hurdles and community displacement are addressed holistically.Read more

Jaideep Mirchandani, Chairman Sky One

25 Apr 2025

Marking Earth Day, aviation experts emphasized the urgent need to adopt renewable energy and triple global clean power generation by 2030. The industry, especially in fast-growing markets like India, faces pressure to cut emissions. A mix of strategic planning, government policies, and global frameworks is guiding the shift to net-zero by 2050. India is advancing air taxi infrastructure and promoting green airports, like the solar-powered Cochin Airport. Airlines are investing in fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. With fleet expansion and rising passenger numbers, sustainable finance and aviation fuels are becoming critical tools in India's push for a cleaner, climate-friendly aviation future.Read more

24 Apr 2025

The United Kingdom's latest commitment to building 1.3 million new homes by FY 2029-30 spells promising news for skilled Indian construction professionals. With the UK government allocating GBP 600 million to train 60,000 domestic workers, experts suggest this effort may fall short. Labour shortages across the construction sector have already created urgent demand for overseas talent. According to UK-based immigration expert Yash Dubal, Indian workers, especially those in high-demand roles like bricklayers and civil engineers, are well-positioned to benefit from the Skilled Worker visa programme, which offers reduced salary thresholds for certain trades.Read more