Maharashtra Revises Unified DCPR to Boost Real Estate

The Ministry of Urban Development amended the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (Unified DCPR) to make rules and regulations more flexible. The DCPR now includes 5% amenity space above 20,000 sq m, three carpet area index (FSI) for MHADA redevelopment instead of two and a half, and up to five FSIs for commercial business district expansion to accelerate employment. Under the direction of Urban Development Minister, Eknath Shinde, Bhushan Gagrani, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, and his team implemented the Unified DCPR throughout the state, with the exception of Mumbai, to ensure consistent development and to eliminate ambiguity in rules and regulations. The primary objective of the Unified DCPR is to make more affordable housing available, to boost the real estate sector, and to keep the economy functioning smoothly. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Uddhav Thackeray approved the Unified DCPR following extensive consultations with various constitutions and institutions involved in the housing industry, as well as consideration of their proposals. However, in light of the challenges posed by the Corona outbreak and the housing industry collapse, Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde had asked a comprehensive analysis of what can to be done to improve the Unified DCPR. As a result, Principal Secretary Bhushan Gagrani and his team met with multiple stakeholders and proposed revisions to Section 37 (2), which Shinde agreed to. The DCPR now includes 5% amenity space above 20,000 sq m, three carpet area index (FSI) for MHADA redevelopment instead of two and a half, and up to five FSIs for commercial business district expansion to accelerate employment. The housing industry is important to the economy, supporting over 200 small and medium-sized companies. According to Shinde, these amendments to the Unified DCPR will provide momentum to MHADA redevelopment and grow housing stocks while keeping house prices in check. This decision will accelerate the growth of commercial business zones, as well as industry and employment sectors.