Explore the impact of the Smart Cities Mission, from digital governance and infrastructure development to social and environmental sustainability in India's growing cities

Maharashtra's educational landscape is about to undergo a historic transformation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that five prestigious international universities - three top-50 ranked U.S. institutions plus one each from the U.K. and Australia will establish campuses in Navi Mumbai.

India’s real estate sector is witnessing a massive investment wave, with ₹62,000 crore pumped into land acquisitions across metros. Developers secured 2,335 acres in 134 deals, setting the stage for a surge in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

India's real estate landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift as tier-2 and tier-3 cities now account for nearly half of all land acquisitions by developers. This emerging trend, backed by a 20% surge in housing sales and 43% growth in the primary market, signals a fundamental reorientation.

THIRD Mumbai (KSC New Town) - A Smart, Well-Connected City in Maharashtra | Karnala-Sai-Chirner New Town (KSC) is a planned city within the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) & NAINA zone. Designed for boost connectivity, infrastructure & green spaces, it's set to be a next level project.

EcoBox Parks, backed by Alta Capital, is investing ₹400 crore to develop a 1.2-million sq. ft. state-of-the-art logistics hub in Chennai’s strategic Mannur locality, strengthening India’s industrial infrastructure.

The BMC's Dahisar recycling plant has processed 16,000 metric tonnes of debris into reusable materials like sand, paver blocks, and benches, fostering sustainable urban development.

The Rural Development Ministry allocated 3.8 million houses under PMAY-G for FY25, part of a 5-year plan to build 20 million homes and transform rural housing in India.

Indian corporates are leveraging the real estate boom by monetising non-core assets, unlocking capital, reducing debt, and boosting financial health. This strategy sharpens focus on core operations while driving economic growth through infrastructure and job creation.

A recent study highlights a gradual reduction in slum-covered land in Mumbai’s peninsular region, dropping by 8.6% over 17 years. From 47.7 sq km in 2005, the slum area declined to 43.6 sq km in 2022, revealing a dynamic transformation in one of India’s most densely populated cities.

The launch of 12 industrial smart cities in India will transform the industry. These smart cities reduce risks and ease logistics by providing a plug-and-play environment for enterprises. Through innovation, cooperation, and crucial infrastructure, they want to change the MSME sector.

By 2047, Viksit Bharat aims to raise 1.5 billion Indians' average income to that of affluent countries. Indian urban population is expected to rise from 34% in 2018 to 40% by 2030, while rural population is expected to decline. Promoting urban-rural synergy to support economic development is crucial

Reports say the Indian Railway Ministry has approved the final placement survey of a 100-kilometer rail line between Nashik and Dahanu. This new route, which will run via Trimbakeshwar and Vangaon, is projected to save travel time between Nashik and Palghar's main sites.

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has authorised 12 new industrial smart cities in 10 states to boost India's industry. This initiative, investing ₹28,602 crore, aims to generate 40 lakh jobs and boost industrial capacities in the nation.

Indian real estate investors are increasingly targeting developing cities. Real estate hotspots are coming to these cities due to urbanisation, infrastructural expansion, and changing work paradigms. Ghar explains why these cities will change Indian real estate in detail.