In a move aimed at modernizing urban governance and facilitating faster project clearances, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch an advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven facility dedicated to the city’s real estate sector. The initiative is expected to significantly improve ease-of-doing business by automating key approval processes, minimizing manual intervention, and enhancing data-driven decision-making.
The introduction of this AI-led facility marks a significant step towards streamlining processes and enhancing transparency in Mumbai’s real estate ecosystem. By leveraging technology, we aim to reduce approval timelines and improve overall efficiency for stakeholders,” said Smt. Ashwini Bhide, Municipal Commissioner, BMC while speaking at NAREDCO Maharashtra’s ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony.
Smt Ritu Tawde, Mayor of Mumbai and Smt Ashwini Bhide, Commissioner of BMC addressed the NAREDCO Maharashtra’s members during the ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony. Mr Kamlesh Thakur, Founder and Managing Director of Srishti Group became the new President of NAREDCO Maharashtra and received the baton from the preceding President Mr Prashant Sharma. As part of the new leadership team, Mr. Jay Goenka was announced as the Secretary and Mr. Manan Shah as the Treasurer, reinforcing a strong and dynamic governing council for the upcoming term.
Further speaking, Smt Bhide said, “The introduction of this AI-led facility marks a significant step towards streamlining processes and enhancing transparency in Mumbai’s real estate ecosystem. By leveraging technology, we aim to reduce approval timelines and improve overall efficiency for stakeholders.”
The proposed facility, as Smt Bhide stated, would integrate multiple civic approval systems into a unified digital platform, enabling developers, architects and consultants to submit and track applications in real time. By deploying AI tools for document verification, compliance checks and predictive analysis, the BMC aims to drastically cut down approval timelines, which have traditionally been a challenge for the sector.
The Commissioner further indicated that the system would also bring greater transparency and accountability by reducing human interface and standardising procedures. The platform is expected to flag discrepancies, ensure adherence to development control regulations, and provide actionable insights to both applicants and civic authorities.
The initiative aligns with Mumbai’s broader vision of becoming a technologically advanced and investor-friendly city. With real estate being a critical driver of economic growth and urban development, the AI-led facility is anticipated to boost investor confidence and accelerate project execution.
Addressing NAREDCO Maharashtra members, Smt. Ritu Tawde, Mayor of Mumbai said, “Mumbai is steadily transforming into a model city for ease – of -doing – business in real estate. Today, construction proposal approvals are streamlined within 45 days, driven by transparency and end-to-end digitisation. This not only accelerates development; but also builds trust among stakeholders. We are committed to inclusive urban growth prioritising women’s safety and encouraging developers to actively participate in creating essential infrastructure such as dedicated women’s sanitation facilities. Our vision is clear to get faster processes, safer spaces, and a more accountable system for all.”
NAREDCO Maharashtra members including various chapter representatives of the State from Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Karad who were present on the occasion welcomed the move, noting that faster approvals and improved clarity in regulatory processes will not only reduce project costs but also contribute to timely delivery of housing and commercial developments.
The BMC is currently in the final stages of preparing the infrastructure and is expected to roll out the facility in phases. Training sessions and on-boarding support will also be provided to ensure smooth adoption by users. Once operational, the AI-enabled system is poised to redefine the way real estate approvals are managed in Mumbai, setting a benchmark for other urban local bodies across the country.
Meanwhile, in the formal transition of leadership from the outgoing President, Mr. Prashant Sharma, to the incoming President, Mr. Kamlesh Thakur, NAREDCO Maharashtra’s new leadership announced its progressive agenda focused on ‘all-inclusive’ approach to bring policy advocacy, transparency and sectoral growth.
On this occasion, NAREDCO Maharashtra launched an innovative and the first-of-its-kind ‘NAREDCO ONE’ Digital App aimed at bringing all the NAREDCO Maharashtra developer-members on one digital platform for better interaction, information and progressive journey.
Setting the agenda for the new leadership, Mr. Kamlesh Thakur, new President of NAREDCO Maharashtra presented his forward-looking vision for the sector and said, “NAREDCO Maharashtra will continue to carry on the legacy and work for betterment of the sector. There is a need for enhanced ease-of–doing-business, digitization of approvals and increased collaboration with government bodies to accelerate the pace of the real estate industry.” The outgoing President, Mr. Prashant Sharma, reflected on the organization’s achievements and reiterated confidence in the new leadership’s ability to build on the established foundation.
