{"id":35163,"date":"2025-04-17T11:14:31","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T05:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homesbuildings.com\/?p=35163"},"modified":"2025-04-17T11:14:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T05:44:31","slug":"navi-mumbai-the-city-the-challenge-the-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/?p=35163","title":{"rendered":"NAVI MUMBAI THE CITY, THE CHALLENGE & THE CHANGE: VIJAY LAKHANI"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this exclusive conversation, VIJAY LAKHANI,<\/strong> Chairman of Lakhani Group and President of MCHI Navi Mumbai, reflects on the group\u2019s three-decade journey shaping Navi Mumbai\u2019s skyline. From the early days of affordable housing to the rise of luxury on Palm Beach Road, he shares insights into the city\u2019s urban evolution, the challenges developers face, and why Navi Mumbai is poised to become India\u2019s most aspirational destination by 2030.<\/h4>\n

Lakhani Group has been a part of Navi Mumbai\u2019s growth story for over three decades. Can you walk us through the evolution of the group and what core values continue to drive it today?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Witnessing a city evolve from its foundational stages to a thriving urban expanse is both a privilege and a testament to our journey. At Lakhani Group, we\u2019ve been deeply embedded in this transformation for over twenty-five years. With more than 60 residential and commercial projects delivered across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Ulwe, Khopoli, Lonavala, and Pune, our mission has always been to create spaces that are benchmarks in quality and customer satisfaction.\"\"<\/h4>\n

The ethos that drives us is consistency\u2014in value creation, in client trust, and in design innovation. Over time, we\u2019ve evolved into a purpose-led organisation, where every project reflects thoughtful design, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to upgrade lifestyles. Today\u2019s demand goes beyond mere construction\u2014urban infrastructure, IT parks, entertainment hubs, and public amenities define how a city lives and breathes. At Lakhani Group, our role is to anticipate that shift and respond with developments that are future ready.<\/h4>\n

Navi Mumbai has undergone rapid urbanisation in the last decade. How has Lakhani Group adapted to the city\u2019s evolving landscape?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our relationship with Navi Mumbai is not just professional\u2014it\u2019s deeply personal. We\u2019ve seen this city grow, and in many ways, contributed to its transformation. Unlike Mumbai, where developers often diversify into industries, exports, and other verticals, in Navi Mumbai, real estate is our singular focus. Nearly every developer here is fully invested in building homes and shaping the cityscape.<\/h4>\n

The geography of Navi Mumbai\u2014 from Airoli to New Panvel\u2014offers incredible breadth and flexibility for developers to create across all segments. What truly sets this city apart is the diversity it offers. Whether it\u2019s affordable housing at \u20b920\u201325 lakhs or high-end homes that go up to \u20b95\u20136 crore, Navi Mumbai caters to a full spectrum of homebuyers\u2014from first-time owners to luxury seekers. What makes this even more remarkable is CIDCO\u2019s foundational
\nplanning, which still stands strong today. The city was built with a vision\u2014and that vision continues to receive government support in the form of infrastructure, amenities, and connectivity. We\u2019re proud to say that Navi Mumbai, in terms of choice, planning, and potential, remains unmatched in the region. It\u2019s not just a satellite city anymore\u2014it\u2019s a destination in its own right<\/p>\n

What are some of the key challenges that developers currently face in Navi Mumbai, particularly in relation to planning norms and policy mandates?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Navi Mumbai, despite being one of India\u2019s most thoughtfully planned cities, still presents several regulatory challenges that hinder the creation of optimized, aesthetically superior developments. One significant issue developers have raised\u2014particularly through platforms like CREDAI-MCHI\u2014is the applicability of certain statewide mandates that don\u2019t align with the specific realities of Navi Mumbai. \"\" For instance, the Inclusive Housing Policy, while important in the broader context of affordable housing across Maharashtra, is somewhat misplaced in Navi Mumbai. That\u2019s because CIDCO, as the planning authority, has already delivered far more inclusive and affordable housing stock than most other cities in the state. Continuing to impose additional quotas on developers for such housing, in areas where the need has already been met, risks disrupting the balance of planned development. It could, in fact, deter the aesthetic and infrastructural ambitions we hold for making Navi Mumbai a smart and beautiful city.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the norms regarding recreational ground (RG) allocations pose practical difficulties. CIDCO has already earmarked and developed expansive RG zones in every sector and node across Navi Mumbai\u2014gardens, parks, and open spaces have been built as part of a master plan. Re-imposing RG obligations within private developments\u2014especially in redevelopment projects\u2014creates unnecessary congestion. Developers are required to construct not only for existing residents but also additional sale components, and when 20% of the land must be carved out for RG despite public grounds already existing nearby, it restricts our ability to design spacious, well-ventilated layouts. The end result is compromised design and constrained project vision.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve submitted representations to the government and CIDCO through CREDAI-MCHI, urging them to reconsider these provisions and allow more flexibility in cases where the city\u2019s master planning already accommodates public infrastructure. Our request is simple: give us the margin to build beautiful, efficient, and world-class projects without duplicative restrictions. Navi Mumbai has the potential to be a benchmark city\u2014not just in planning, but in execution\u2014and that requires a collaborative policy environment.<\/p>\n

“By 2030, I believe Navi Mumbai will no longer be seen as a satellite city\u2014it will be one of India\u2019s most desirable urban destinations, with world-class connectivity, sustainable planning, and a superior quality of life.”<\/em><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s often a limited perception of Navi Mumbai\u2019s geography and potential. From your perspective, how has the region evolved beyond Vashi, and which corridors are now emerging as the city\u2019s new growth and luxury hotspots?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a common misconception among many that Navi Mumbai begins and ends with Vashi. That\u2019s far from reality. The city stretches from Airoli to Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, Vashi, Sanpada, Nerul, CBD Belapur, and further down to Kalamboli, Kamothe, and New Panvel. Each of these nodes has its own distinct market segment\u2014 ranging from budget-friendly flats to premium residences.<\/p>\n

One of the most transformational developments in Navi Mumbai has undoubtedly been Palm Beach Road. It has redefined the luxury housing narrative in the region. Since its inception, Palm Beach has attracted a new class of homebuyers looking for high-end properties, and the demand here has only continued to grow. What\u2019s even more promising is that CIDCO is now planning to extend Palm Beach Road all the way from Koparkhairane to Ulwe. This expansion will dramatically elevate the profile and value of all the areas along this extended stretch. We\u2019re expecting property prices in these belts to match, if not surpass, those in some of Mumbai\u2019s most premium addresses.<\/p>\n

Palm Beach, which currently stretches from Vashi to CBD Belapur, is already among the most expensive and aspirational parts of Navi Mumbai. With the extension in the pipeline, this entire corridor is set to become the epicentre of high-budget development. That said, Navi Mumbai still offers a variety of options\u2014there are affordable segments thriving alongside the luxury market, and the breadth of choices available here is unmatched. It\u2019s fair to say that all eyes are on Navi Mumbai now, and for good reason.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

When evaluating Navi Mumbai\u2019s evolving landscape\u2014be it retail, commercial, or residential\u2014what, in your view, stands out as the city\u2019s most promising proposition? Is fair housing <\/strong>still the stronger opportunity, or is commercial growth catching up?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Housing will always be a basic human need\u2014everyone requires a home. But alongside that, commercial space is equally vital as it forms the foundation for livelihoods. In Navi Mumbai, we\u2019ve noticed an increasing trend where people are looking to secure office spaces near their residences. There\u2019s a rising sentiment among professionals who, even as they approach retirement, want to remain productive. They often consider launching consultancies, setting up private practices, or venturing into entrepreneurship. For them, having a workplace close to home is a priority.<\/p>\n

This behaviour has fuelled steady growth in commercial real estate. Over the past few years, we\u2019ve witnessed a significant uptick in demand for commercial buildings, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Today, Navi Mumbai is experiencing a dual wave\u2014residential demand remains strong, but the commercial segment is also thriving. Both sectors are developing in parallel, and that balance is what sets Navi Mumbai apart. It\u2019s no longer a question of either or\u2014both residential and commercial segments here are moving confidently in the right direction.<\/p>\n

Where do you see the Navi Mumbai real estate market heading by 2030\u2014and where do you envision the Lakhani Group in that future?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Navi Mumbai is on the cusp of a transformative decade. With major infrastructure developments like the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the extension of the Palm Beach Road, metro rail connectivity, and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, the city is being redefined. These projects are not just improving mobility\u2014they\u2019re expanding the economic and aspirational boundaries of the region.<\/p>\n

By 2030, I believe Navi Mumbai will no longer be seen as a satellite city\u2014it will be one of India\u2019s most desirable urban destinations, with world-class connectivity, sustainable planning, and a superior quality of life. We\u2019re seeing a shift where people are choosing to move here not just for affordability but for lifestyle. It\u2019s already happening, and this momentum will only intensify over the next five years.<\/p>\n

As for the Lakhani Group, we\u2019ve always positioned ourselves at the intersection of trust, quality, and foresight. Our legacy over the past 30 years has been built on creating spaces that resonate with the aspirations of homebuyers. Going forward, we aim to be part of Navi Mumbai\u2019s growth story not just as builders, but as placemakers\u2014developing landmark projects that align with the city\u2019s smart, sustainable, and inclusive future.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this exclusive conversation, VIJAY LAKHANI, Chairman of Lakhani Group and President of MCHI Navi Mumbai, reflects on the group\u2019s<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":131350,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4423,4424],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-developers","category-interviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35163","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=35163"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35163\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/131350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}