IndustryLatest Stories

Rajasthan Lifts Height Restrictions, Embraces Skyscrapers

JAIPUR: In a bid to enhance urban development, Rajasthan’s cities may soon feature skyscrapers on par with those in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Following a central government regulation announced in January 2026, the state government has relaxed previous restrictions on building heights. A senior official from the Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department told TOI that this decision will propel vertical growth beyond residential buildings, facilitating the development of commercial towers, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities under a single roof. “Previously, the height of buildings in Rajasthan was capped at 70 meters, a limit set in 2020 based on the…

IndustryLatest Stories

RIICO Receives 800 Applications for 465 Plots in Rajasthan

Representative Image JAIPUR: The Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) has received close to 800 applications for 465 industrial plots across approximately 294 acres, valued around Rs 550 crore. These plots are available under RIICO’s direct allotment scheme aimed at MoU holders from the Rising Rajasthan investment summit. Officials reported that the Kankani Industrial Area in Jodhpur saw the highest number of applications, totaling 267. To enhance occupancy rates in less utilized industrial zones, RIICO has revised its flexible land lease and rental policies. According to the new provisions, industrial plots in areas that achieved less than 25%…

Latest StoriesResidential

CM: Over 19 Lakh Homes Built in Rajasthan Under PMAY-Gramin

JAIPUR: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced on Tuesday that over 19 lakh pucca houses have been constructed in Rajasthan under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) since its inception in 2016. The Centre had aimed to build 24.97 lakh houses in the state, with over 24.32 lakh already approved and 19.46 lakh completed to date. For this initiative, the Union government has allocated more than Rs 3,283 crore. In the last three financial years, Rs 2,771 crore has been disbursed, including the highest allocation of Rs 1,641 crore in 2025–26. The scheme aims to provide direct financial assistance to…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Haryana: India’s 3rd Most Groundwater-Stressed State

Representative image GURUGRAM: Haryana has become India’s third most groundwater-stressed state, with 88 assessment units labeled as overexploited, making up 61.5% of its groundwater blocks, according to data from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) presented to the NGT. The NGT has criticized states for ineffective enforcement against illegal extraction and insufficient recharge efforts, prompting a broader review. The CGWA report indicates that only Punjab, with 75.1% of its groundwater units overexploited, and Rajasthan at 70.9%, perform worse than Haryana. Following Haryana are Delhi (41.2%), Tamil Nadu (33.87%), Karnataka (18.99%), and Uttar Pradesh (7.06%). During a suo motu hearing on…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Cabinet Approves ₹13,000 Cr Jaipur Metro Phase-II Project

NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved the Phase-2 of the Jaipur Metro Project, which will feature a 41-km corridor with 36 stations, at an estimated cost exceeding Rs 13,000 crore, according to Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The project will be executed by the Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL), a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan. The Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also greenlit the North-South corridor from Prahladpura to Todi Mod with a total project cost of Rs 13,037.66 crore, Vaishnaw stated during a media briefing. The Phase-2 corridor…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

ED Seizes ₹944 Crore in Properties Linked to Housing Fraud

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized immovable assets valued at approximately Rs 944 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. This action is tied to allegations of failure to deliver housing units to more than 1,500 homebuyers in Haryana and Rajasthan, officials reported on Monday. The affected projects are situated in Palwal, Faridabad, Rewari, and Bhiwadi, where buyers allegedly did not receive possession even after making payments, the agency stated. In a recent announcement, the ED indicated it “has provisionally attached immovable properties worth about Rs 944 crore, owned by Piyush Colonisers Limited, former promoters of the…

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RIICO Introduces 33-Year Lease with 40% Land Discount

Representative image JAIPUR: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has announced that RIICO will permit entrepreneurs to secure plots in 30 identified industrial areas at 60% of current rates, with a lease term of 33 years. This initiative is anticipated to significantly lower the costs of establishing industries. Furthermore, the payment duration under the direct allotment scheme has been extended from three to five years, allowing investors to pay in 19 quarterly installments. To facilitate industrial transactions, the transfer fee for plot sales post-production has been halved from 1% to 0.5%. Additionally, the conversion fee for weighbridge operations has been reduced…

IndustryLatest Stories

Rajasthan Housing Board Revenue Tops ₹1,000 Crore; 2026 Launches Planned

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) has significantly increased its revenue in FY26, surpassing ₹1,000 crore, largely due to successful commercial auctions and enhanced asset monetization, as stated by commissioner Rashmi Sharma in an exclusive interview with Ankit Sharma. The autonomous body, primarily serving affordable and mid-income segments, is launching new residential schemes across Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Alwar, the NCR region near Bhiwadi, and selected emerging towns in Rajasthan. The board is also exploring innovative development models, including potential private partnerships, to expand its capacity while ensuring affordability. Below are edited excerpts from the conversation: What was 2025 like for the…

Latest StoriesRera

Rajasthan RERA: Banks can’t claim rights on allotted flats

JAIPUR: In a landmark ruling aimed at safeguarding homebuyers, the Rajasthan Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has determined that banks and financial institutions cannot assert claims over apartments booked to buyers prior to the establishment of a loan. The authority further stated that RERA proceedings may proceed against builders’ directors and landowners, even amidst insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). This decision was made by Rajasthan RERA chairperson Veenu Gupta on February 19 and was published on Saturday, relating to the Avalon Royal Park housing project located in Bhiwadi. The project, initiated in 2012 by M/s G…

IndustryLatest Stories

Rajasthan Considers Easing Building Rules to Attract Investment

JAIPUR: The state government is contemplating easing building height and setback regulations to foster a more adaptable and investor-friendly urban development framework, aiming to spur industrial growth and enhance affordable housing. The government is considering the principle of “Everything is allowed unless explicitly prohibited,” which would eliminate the need for formal conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural uses if the intended purpose aligns with the master plan. An official informed that Chief Secretary V. Srinivas has updated the cabinet secretariat regarding Rajasthan’s second phase of compliance reduction and deregulation, detailing a comprehensive reform roadmap designed to simplify business operations and…