Bengaluru Eyes Mumbai-Style Redevelopment to Unlock Urban Growth

As Bengaluru grapples with soaring land prices and dwindling availability in its central districts, the city is poised for a transformation inspired by Mumbai’s successful redevelopment model. Zayd Noaman, President of Credai Bengaluru, believes that adopting such strategies could unlock valuable land, upgrade urban infrastructure, and meet the city’s growing real estate needs.

Redevelopment: The Catalyst Bengaluru Needs

“In Mumbai, redevelopment has turned aging neighborhoods into modern, high-value zones. If Mumbai can do it, Bengaluru can too,” Noaman told Hindustan Times. With many 30–50-year-old buildings in Bengaluru, redevelopment isn’t just a developer’s dream-it’s a potential game-changer for the entire city. Upgrading these structures would benefit developers, homebuyers, and the government by generating substantial revenue and revitalizing the cityscape.

Policy Push and Legislative Engagement

Credai Bengaluru is actively working with policymakers to craft a redevelopment framework tailored for the city. Noaman emphasized that while the process will be gradual-requiring new laws and public consensus-delays could mean missed opportunities for years, as seen in Mumbai’s own redevelopment journey.

Land Scarcity and Shifting Development Trends

With central Bengaluru nearing saturation and land costs skyrocketing, residential development is increasingly difficult. “We’re seeing a tilt toward commercial projects in these areas,” Noaman explained. Only luxury or high-grade residential projects can justify costs in prime zones, making affordable or mid-range housing nearly impossible without redevelopment.

Technology for Transparency

Credai Bengaluru, representing over 230 members, is investing in technology to boost transparency and efficiency. Initiatives include:

• Blockchain for secure transactions
• Digitized land records
• Enhanced e-Khata and title verification systems

These steps are crucial for sustainable, organized growth and to curb unplanned urban sprawl.

Streamlining Approvals and Land Records

Working closely with the BBMP, Credai is improving the e-Khata system to support bulk applications from developers and ensure timely issuance for homebuyers. Simplifying and digitizing RTC and mutation processes will further enhance transparency and operational efficiency.

Water and Flood Management Initiatives

Partnering with the BWSSB, Credai is pushing for:

• Digital water meters in apartments
• Flood-resilient developments
• Maintenance of stormwater drains and buffer zones

Developers like Prestige are already upgrading drains to prevent urban flooding and improve water flow.

Expanding to the Periphery

While central Bengaluru is densely built, the city’s periphery-with ample agricultural land-offers promise for new development, provided infrastructure keeps pace. Expanded metro lines and improved road networks could make these areas more attractive for both residential and commercial growth.

Conclusion: A Call for Timely Action

Zayd Noaman urges Bengaluru to act now: “We have the opportunity now. If we don’t begin, we’ll miss it for years.” With Credai’s ongoing collaboration with government bodies, Bengaluru could soon see a more sustainable, transparent, and efficient urban development framework-mirroring Mumbai’s redevelopment success and setting the stage for long-term growth.