InfrastructureLatest Stories

Strong, Sustainable Cities Key to Viksit Bharat: Housing Minister

File Photo NEW DELHI: Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal stated on Tuesday that India’s urban transformation is now entering a “decisive phase”, emphasizing that the journey to Viksit Bharat by 2047 relies on the development of strong, secure, and sustainable cities. During the inauguration of the 18th edition of ‘Municipalika’ at Bharat Mandapam, the minister noted that approximately 40% of India’s population lives in urban areas, with projections indicating a rise to around 800 million over the next 25 years. “Cities are responsible for nearly 70% of GDP and close to 90% of revenues. The path to…

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Centre urges unified urban planning, expanded credit for housing needs

File Photo NEW DELHI: On Friday, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal stressed the necessity for cooperation among policymakers, financial institutions, and urban planners to improve accessibility and inclusivity in housing finance, especially with the anticipated surge in India’s urban population. During a conference organized by the National Housing Bank (NHB) and the Asia Pacific Union for Housing Finance (APUHF), the minister underscored the importance of integrated urban planning, which includes developing housing linked to transportation and innovative policies to meet future demand. Citing a joint study conducted by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Housing and Urban…

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Urban Population Growth Challenges Urbanization, Says Housing Minister

BENGALURU: Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar remarked on Thursday that urbanization has become a pressing issue due to the swift increase in city populations. The Centre has initiated regional meetings to tackle various urban development challenges. “Urbanization is a significant concern these days as urban populations continue to grow,” Khattar informed reporters following a regional meeting with representatives from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep. The Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs mentioned that the discussions covered topics such as road infrastructure, drainage systems, mobility, and metro rail projects, incorporating demands and suggestions from the involved states. “The meeting…

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Housing Minister Demands Action on Builders Delaying Projects

File Photo NEW DELHI: Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has requested information on the number of real estate projects that have had their deadlines extended, as well as actions taken against developers with incomplete projects despite receiving three extensions. This request arises amid increasing concerns regarding builders’ failure to meet project completion commitments under RERA. According to the minutes from the latest Central Advisory Council (CAC) meeting—which included representatives from state RERAs, state governments, consumer bodies, and builders—Khattar’s request followed comments from Haryana RERA Chairperson Arun Kumar. Kumar noted that the project completion timeline is established by…

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Government Urges States, RERAs to Act Against Misleading Builder Ads

NEW DELHI: In response to reports of builders and agents using official-sounding language to manipulate the appearance of their projects, the Central government has urged states and real estate regulators (RERAs) to intervene and prohibit misleading advertisements that could trick buyers. They have also been directed to submit reports focused on safeguarding buyer interests. Sources indicate that the issue was thoroughly discussed at a recent meeting of the Central Advisory Council (CAC) of RERA, led by Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Instances of misleading advertisements were presented to all members, including representatives from state governments and RERA…

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Housing Ministry Unveils Unified RERA Portal

NEW DELHI: In its fifth meeting, the Central Advisory Council (CAC) witnessed Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, launching the unified RERA portal (rera.mohua.gov.in). This platform is designed to enhance transparency and facilitate the sharing of best practices among States and UTs. “The launch of the Unified RERA Portal marks a significant advancement in promoting transparency and accountability within the real estate sector,” stated the housing minister. He also emphasized that RERA has empowered homebuyers, ensured timely project deliveries, and introduced discipline within the sector. Khattar urged States and UTs to implement RERA thoroughly to safeguard…

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Union Home Minister Leads Meeting on Delhi Master Plan 2041

NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a high-level meeting to assess the Delhi Master Plan 2041 (MPD-2041), which included key figures such as Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Also present was Delhi’s Home and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, and this meeting follows a review session held the previous day at the Delhi Secretariat focused on the MPD-2041’s provisions. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) submitted a draft of the master plan to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in April 2023. The plan is currently pending final approval.…