27 Dec 2024
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has ordered the demolition of 29 buildings in the south zone, including areas like VV Puram, Vidya Peeta, and Hombegowda Nagar, citing gross deviations from approved construction plans. Violations include unauthorized floors and unapproved structures, breaching municipal regulations. This crackdown, directed by South Zone Commissioner Vinoth Priya R, is part of BBMP's broader efforts to tackle unregulated developments across the city. The initiative aims to enforce compliance, promote sustainable urban growth, and serve as a warning to developers and property owners flouting regulations, emphasizing adherence to legal construction norms.Read more
26 Dec 2024
Sattva Group has secured an 8.5-acre land parcel in Bengaluru's Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) from a high-net-worth individual for INR 300 crore. It was previously occupied by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk India. The site offers a built-up area of 188,000 square feet, with future development potential of up to 1.2 million square feet and a 35 MW data centre. This acquisition strengthens Sattva's presence in Bengaluru's commercial real estate sector. The deal highlights growing developer interest in Bengaluru, particularly for properties with future growth potential. The company is also preparing for a REIT listing.Read more
23 Dec 2024
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has introduced a new rule requiring flat buyers to pay a one-year maintenance fee upfront, effective December 2024. The fee, set at 1% of the flat's sale price, ensures smoother maintenance of infrastructure in residential complexes until Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) are established. If RWAs are not formed within a year, BDA will continue collecting the fees. The policy addresses challenges like unpaid fees and unsold flats, with over 2,000 flats currently affected. Private agencies hired for sales will charge a 3% service fee. The initiative aims to ensure better services and financial stability.Read more
19 Dec 2024
Airbus has secured over 650,000 sq ft of office space in Bengaluru's Whitefield area through a 10-year lease agreement to establish its global capability centre (GCC). The space, located in Titanium Tech Park, will support Airbus's worldwide innovation and technology initiatives. The deal includes an option to expand by an additional 150,000 sq ft after a year, potentially increasing the total leased space to 800,000 sq ft. This move is part of Airbus's growing presence in India, which also extends to aviation, defence, and manufacturing sectors.Read more
13 Dec 2024
The Karnataka state cabinet has approved Namma Metro's Phase 3A extension, linking Sarjapur to Hebbal at an estimated cost of INR 28,405 crore. The 36.6-km line will feature 17 elevated stations over 22.1 km and 11 underground stations over 14.5 km. It will connect Bengaluru's IT hub with northern areas, integrating with key lines: Blue at Iblur, Pink at Dairy Circle, Purple in the central business district, and Blue and Orange at Hebbal. While promising improved connectivity, Namma Metro's prior delays, such as Phase 1's five-year delay and Phase 2's incomplete sections, highlight challenges in execution. Timely planning and funding will be critical to avoiding cost escalations and meeting deadlines.Read more
11 Dec 2024
NR Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, has set a new benchmark for residential property prices in Bengaluru by purchasing a second flat in Kingfisher Towers for INR 50 crore. This luxury apartment, located on the 16th floor, spans 8,400 sq ft and includes five parking spaces. The property, located in the city's CBD, commands a price of INR 59,500 per sq ft. Kingfisher Towers, built on the site of Vijay Mallya's ancestral home, includes 81 high-end apartments and has witnessed notable sales, with other prominent owners such as Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.Read more
11 Dec 2024
The Supreme Court rebuked the Karnataka government for delaying compensation to landowners for land acquired in 1986, deeming the 33-year delay unconstitutional under Article 300A, which protects property rights. The court ordered compensation at the 2019 market value for Jayalakshmamma and others, whose two-acre land in Mysuru's Hinkal village was acquired for the Vijayanagar layout. Despite compensation being paid in 2019, it was unfairly calculated at 1986 rates. The court mandated reassessment of land value, with the revised amount to be deposited within four weeks. While condemning the delay, the court upheld acquisition due to public development priorities.Read more
10 Dec 2024
Namma Metro, Bengaluru's rapid transit system, is India's second-longest operational metro network, spanning 76.95 km with 68 stations. Operational since 2011, it has transformed urban mobility, connecting key areas through the Purple and Green Lines. Phases 2 and 3 aim to expand the network by adding 116.65 km, including extensions to IT hubs and new lines. The metro faces challenges like delays, cost overruns, safety concerns, and operational inefficiencies. Despite these issues, Namma Metro's increasing ridership and financial sustainability underscore its critical role in easing Bengaluru's traffic woes and supporting the city's economic and urban growth.Read more
10 Dec 2024
The Bengaluru Coalition, a newly formed citizens' group, aims to address violations of building regulations and promote planned urban development in the city. Comprising resident welfare associations (RWAs), NGOs, and the Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF), the coalition seeks to tackle issues like unauthorized constructions and improve enforcement of civic laws. Motivated by ongoing challenges and a recent building collapse in Babusapalya, it collaborates with the Karnataka High Court's ongoing efforts to curb violations. With support from over 50 RWAs and BAF, the coalition advocates systemic reforms, educates citizens on legal recourse, and pushes for accountability to ensure sustainable urban planning.Read more
09 Dec 2024
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a preliminary notification to acquire around 143 properties, including 94 buildings, to widen a 2.4-km stretch of Gunjur-Varthur Main Road in Gunjur village. The project aims to enhance the existing 30-meter road between Gunjur Lake and Vinayaka Theatre, part of State Highway 35. This road is one of 14 slated for development under the Revised Master Plan for 2025, with a total of 25 km planned for improvement. BBMP officials stated that the land acquisition will be compensated through transferable development rights.Read more
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06 Dec 2024
The BBMP reported a property tax collection of INR 4,284 crore between April and November 2024, with INR 700 crore recovered from arrears. Nearly 88% of the total was collected via online payments, indicating the growing popularity of digital transactions. Mahadevapura was the highest contributor, while Dasarahalli recorded the lowest. Special Commissioner Munish Moudgil credited enhanced tax systems and outreach efforts for the achievement but acknowledged challenges, including arrears of INR 400-450 crore and inefficiencies in low-performing zones. BBMP aims to reach INR 5,200 crore in property tax collections by March 2025.Read more
05 Dec 2024
BBMP is set to begin auctioning properties with unpaid tax dues this month, particularly targeting non-residential properties whose owners failed to clear dues despite the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme. As of November 23, 2.3 lakh property owners still owed INR 365 crore out of a total INR 734 crore. The BBMP began issuing notices from December 2, and wo;; auction only properties not under court orders. Revenue officials also highlighted that over two lakh defaulters remain, while BBMP has collected INR 221 crore from unassessed properties, urging owners without a khata to apply for provisional tax numbers.Read more
04 Dec 2024
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) urged telecom operators to clear their property tax dues under the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, which ended on November 30, offering waivers on interest and minimal penalties. With around 10,000 telecom towers in Bengaluru, many operators have outstanding taxes since January 2015, totaling over INR 100 crore. The tax, set to increase from INR 7,540 in 2014-15 to INR 19,000 in 2024-25, will double for unpaid dues after December 1. BBMP's structured framework and incentives aim to streamline tax collection and ensure compliance, addressing long-standing disputes with telecom operators.Read more
28 Nov 2024
BHIVE Workspace, a leading provider of coworking and managed office spaces in India, has acquired a 39,753-square-foot property in Bengaluru's HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar. Strategically located near landmarks like The Leela Palace and Manipal Hospital, the property offers over 1,000 seats to cater to startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. Valued at INR 3.54 crores, this acquisition aligns with BHIVE's vision to expand premium office solutions. Collaborating with Century Real Estate, the move underscores the growing demand for flexible workspaces. With 27 branches and 28,000+ seats, BHIVE continues redefining office environments, reinforcing innovation, community building, and quality services.Read more
27 Nov 2024
Residents of Bengaluru's Horamavu, Hoysalanagar, and Jayanthinagar are opposing the construction of residential quarters near Jayanthinagar Lake's buffer zone, citing safety and structural concerns. Initiated by the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation for economically weaker sections, the project has faced delays and transparency issues, with no visible project details onsite. Residents propose alternative uses for the land, such as a park or community centre, benefiting local citizens. Additionally, they seek the development of a park near Jayanthinagar Government School, emphasising sustainable development over questionable construction projects. The community urges the BBMP to prioritise public welfare and address their concerns promptly.Read more
26 Nov 2024
A comprehensive survey by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has revealed the staggering scale of unauthorized construction in Bengaluru, particularly in the Mahadevapura zone, which houses the city's tech hub of Whitefield. The survey identified over 2,500 illegal structures across the city, with Mahadevapura leading the way with 528 such buildings. Despite directives from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to take strict action, the survey process has been hampered by local political pressures and past compromises, raising concerns about the commitment of civic officials to address this pressing issue.Read more
26 Nov 2024
With just a week left to settle property tax arrears under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, around 200,000 out of 390,000 defaulters owe a staggering INR 373 crore. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has confirmed that no further extensions will be granted beyond November 30, urging defaulters to pay their dues to avoid steep penalties. As of mid-November, the BBMP has collected INR 360 crore of the INR 733 crore owed. As part of its recovery efforts, the BBMP has begun attaching and sealing properties.Read more
22 Nov 2024
The Karnataka High Court ruled that a petition against a service provider is not maintainable before the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA). Columbia Pacific Communities Pvt Ltd., a senior-care service provider, challenged a K-RERA order involving it in a complaint by the Serene Urbana Apartment Owners' Welfare Association against the project developer, Ozone Urbana Infra Developers. The association had included the service provider due to its role in collecting maintenance charges. Justice M. Nagaprasanna observed that the service provider's responsibilities were limited to service agreements with individual flat owners and unrelated to development issues. The court concluded that the dispute primarily involved the developer and the association, excluding the service provider from liability.Read more
21 Nov 2024
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has flagged over 1,500 buildings constructed in violation of approved plans following a survey started on October 28. Notices are being issued to property owners to demolish these unauthorized structures. BBMP officials clarified that adhering to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act could take 3 to 4 months to complete the demolition process. The civic body follows a step-by-step procedure, with owners being given time to comply. Senior officials highlighted the need for a mahazar in the owner's presence before demolition, though BBMP can act quickly in dangerous situations. Unauthorized schools, hospitals, and residences make up most of the identified buildings.Read more
21 Nov 2024
The BBMP has urged property tax defaulters to clear dues under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, which offers waivers on interest and penalties and is set to expire this month. Defaulters face additional charges from December 1 if payments are not made. Across Bengaluru, over 1.6 lakh defaulters owe INR 397.3 crore in property tax arrears. In Yelahanka zone, proactive measures, including attaching 212 properties and sealing 54 establishments, have achieved 85.4% of the collection target. BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath has directed officials to intensify enforcement actions, emphasizing the importance of recovering dues to improve revenue compliance.Read more